First Trimester Continues - January - February 1926

After the bustling activities and celebrations of the previous year, the new year's beginning is noticeably quieter at the Abbey. After spending a few more days in Downton after the wedding, Rose and Atticus had visited with his family and are now departed on their return to America. Cora still spends a number of hours per week at the hospital. Between the new shop and the estate, Mary, Tom, and Henry have their days filled. Edith and Bertie are still on honeymoon, and will return directly to Brancaster in any event. Cora will be bringing Marigold there next week to help in her transition to her new home.

Robert looks forward to the daily rituals of teatime and dinners more than ever. He adores playing with the children, and he catches up with the family's goings on at dinner. He has always enjoyed his role as head of the family. He latches on to every opportunity to turn the regular meal into a celebration, such as tonight. He raises his glass and proclaims, "Here's to the first success of the new business! Not even officially open two weeks and you've already sold the first car. Congratulations!" Cora and Mary, with merry eyes proud of the two, join him toasting to Tom and Henry.

Tom cautions, "Well, it is not sold quite yet, but there appears to be an agreement on it. He should take ownership in the next couple of days."

Ever the optimist, Henry chimes in, "We are hoping this bodes well for the future of the enterprise. We have had quite a few people stop in the shop out of simple curiosity, but only a few made actual inquiries. The service area, on the other hand, has gotten even more traffic, we believe due to our location."

Robert nods in agreement, "I can see that it would be convenient to have your car looked at whilst doing other errands in town."

Cora adds, "You two did well to get a lease in that spot." She and Robert had visited the shop just a few days ago.

Henry turns to his wife, "Oh, Mary, assuming this sale does go through, I will be going to London Monday to look at some other cars for us to resell. While there, I'll go out to Brooklands to drive the car Carlisle wants me to assess for the newspaper column."

Mary gives a slight nod in acknowledgment, "How long will you be gone-just an overnight?"

"Yes, I think that should do it," Henry answered.

In spite of Mary's earlier misgivings, Tom loves the fact that Henry has been able to write the automobile articles. He would enjoy something like that himself. But Tom respects that it is Henry's column, so only provides input when Henry requests it. The last several articles ranged in topics from car-accessible outings within an hour's drive of London, to simple maintenance tips that car owners could do themselves. This is the first time Henry will be driving a car and writing about the experience. Tom recalls Henry mentioning this would come up every now and then. "What type of car will you be driving?"

Henry turns to Tom and grins as he answers, "A Sunbeam touring car. I've driven the racing car on which it is based, which is one reason for the review. You know, to see how it compares. Perhaps there is an assumption that every man secretly wants to race cars." He gives Tom a wink. While they would never tell Mary, he and Tom have been known to race their respective cars home on a certain stretch of empty road between here and York.

Cora looks over at Henry, expressing the concern she is certain Mary must share, "Is it safe to be on the track in the winter?"

"Oh, I won't be racing. I will be at the track to start out and finish, but take it out on a regular road with hills and such to have a normal driving experience." Henry had already explained this to Mary when he told her originally, but reinforcing that he would not be racing was always a good idea.

Robert is more curious about the column than the driving experience, "Tell me, on whose behalf will you be doing the article? Are you expected to come out on one side or the other?"

Henry has an answer for these questions. "I did have that conversation with Carlisle. He understands that I do not want my name being attached to dishonest or misleading information. For his part, one of the reasons I am even involved is my past experience and generally forthright reputation in the automotive circuits. Damage to that wouldn't be good for the paper, either. What we agreed to was that I would provide as objective a piece as I can, giving both positive and negative comments. His editors will not change the overall leaning of it, but may soften the edges, so to speak."

"I suppose it wouldn't do to upset the advertisers and sponsors," Mary interjects with a note of sarcasm. Henry looks over at her, but their mutual smiles indicate they have had such an exchange before. In truth, they both feel fortunate to be with someone with whom they can engage in such banter without the other being offended by it.

Tom will not be dissuaded from his interest, and a little envy, "I, for one, think it is a splendid arrangement: you get to drive different kinds of cars and get paid to write your opinion of them."

Cora remembers something she has been thinking about for a few days, "Pardon me for changing the subject, but, Henry, I have been meaning to ask you: Shall we invite your aunt and cousins for tea, or perhaps have a dinner? Now that you have settled in, I can imagine it might be nice to see more of your relations in the area."

Henry pauses before answering, considering, "Thank you, that would be very gracious of you. Mary and I will discuss it."

"Of course. Please just let me know what you decide."

Later, upstairs, as Mary and Henry are getting into bed, Mary decides to find out why Henry did not give her mother an answer. "Tell me why you were evasive with Mama about having your cousin over. Granny had mentioned that you and Lady Shackleton's son, Philip, got on well."

Henry shrugs ambiguously, "I did have a couple of summers here in Yorkshire with Philip, but that was when we were young."

"But you've stayed in touch?"

Henry shakes his head, "Only barely. Last year when I was here I stayed with Aunt Prudence so only caught up with him for a brief Hello at tea. He is a little older than me. We overlapped for a year at Eton and then Oxford, but that is about it. After the war, he went back to the country and I to London. Now we see each other only on occasion for family events. With his father's passing, he has the title, so the estate keeps him busy... as does his wife."

Mary is genuinely surprised not at his words, but the way he said the last, "Henry-you seem to get along with everyone, yet your tone suggests otherwise about Philip's wife!"

Henry laughs at being caught, and decides to be more open about it, "That is no secret in my family! There are not many who rejoiced at that union, including Aunt Prudence."

Again Mary is surprised, since Granny did not mention this. "Why not?"

Henry does not want to continue the conversation tonight, and he also knows that Cora is right-the appropriate thing to do is to extend an invitation. He wraps Mary in his arms as he replies, "I will say only that not all men are as lucky as I am in who they marry." He gives her a kiss. "Your mother is right-we should have them over, and you can judge for yourself."

A week or two later, Tom and Mary are working in the agent office, seeming to finish up some work one morning. Tom closes a ledger and says, "That's it for here. I am going to the shop for the rest of the day."

Mary rises from her chair, stretches her neck a little, and says, gratefully, "And I will rest."

It is not like Mary to nap. Tom looks up at her with a worried expression, "How are you feeling?"

Mary tries to reassure him, "Well enough. I do not remember being this tired with George."

Tom smiles, "Maybe it is a girl, then?"

"I hardly think that would make a difference," Mary states as they prepare to leave the office. She is not really worried about her pregnancy-related lethargy; rather she is a little envious that Tom has enough energy for two jobs. She sees that little kick in his step lately. "It is good to see you and Henry enjoying the shop. I know being co-agent here is not as much a passion for you as it is for me. I am glad you have found something that suits you better."

Tom smiles, "We can thank your husband for much of it. Do you recall the first time he came for dinner here? That was when the seed of the idea started sprouting for me."

Mary smiles as she recalls the walks shortly thereafter, during which Tom tried to get her enthused not only about a car repair shop, but about Henry, too. "How could I forget? Your choice of location in York is much better than at the edge of the estate!"

Tom smiles in agreement, "That was also Henry's influence. Having a partner helps-it is much better than if I would have had to go it alone." Tom continues to smile as her puts some ledgers into the desk and locks the drawers. "I have to tell you: he is a natural at it."

Mary puts the last files away and closes the filing cabinet drawer. "That is not surprising. Cars are his passion, after all."

"Besides you, you mean?" Tom teases. Mary just rolls her eyes at him. Tom continues, "Actually, I was referring to Henry's instinctive ability with people. You should see him engage with them! You know his likable personality- it is very effective in the shop."

Mary is pleased to hear this about her husband. She knows he is charming, but she did wonder if being away from London and his exciting racing career would have changed that in any way. Tom shakes his head and laughs lightly, "The only downside is that he wants to please everyone that comes in."

This comment catches Mary off guard, so she questions "How is that a negative?"

Tom does not want to upset Mary, so he is careful in how he explains, "He is not as poor a businessman as your father-now don't give me that look-you know what I mean. We have to make a healthy profit on each sale. I have an understanding with him that he not sign off on any sale for less than a figure we both agree to."

Mary has been through enough financial discussions to understand what Tom is implying. Well, everyone has some faults, she thinks. To Tom, she replies, "I see. I suppose it comes from not having had to worry about the business side before; as a driver he never had to. He did say Turner was very good to Charlie and him."

As he helps her on with her coat, Tom is relieved he and Mary can have this discussion without her worrying too much. "He learns quickly, though-I only had to mention it once. You may not understand, but his whole scheme is to help people be happy about their cars. For example, we are having buyers come back into the shop for a free look-over after one month. That way, we can help them understand how to maintain the car and keep it running well based on how they are using it."

They walk out of the office and start back to the house. Mary says, "Henry already explained that to me. While I may not relate to how a car can make someone happy, I can certainly see that a broken down one would frustrate the most ardently committed owner."

Tom confirms Mary's understanding. "You have the idea of it. Well-running cars mean happy people; happy people mean good references and return business."

While not as big nor as cosmopolitan as London, York is a larger, more populous town than Downton. It therefore supports a sizable number of cafes and pubs, of varying degrees of sophistication. One night, Tom and Henry are laughing as they come out of one of the middling level establishments, and mostly because of their gaiety, walk a little unsteadily, holding on to each other's shoulders as they make their way down the street.

They had selected this particular pub not only for its proximity to the shop, but also their perception of its likely clientele. These were not only farmers and mine workers downing a pint after a long work day; but there were clerks and shopkeepers, and an assortment of other businessmen enjoying a night out. Both Tom and Henry felt at ease across the social strata, and they wanted to get to know more of the York citizenry to whom they were now attaching their futures. They were not disappointed; soon they were trading stories and laughter with some of the regulars; Henry with tales from the war and racing, and Tom with his experiences in America.

They are still laughing as they get out of Henry's car at the house. Neither of them has had so much fun, in just the company of men, in months. For Henry, it has been since before Charlie passed away, and for Tom, even longer. Now that he thinks of it, Tom realizes that it has been close to a year since he had this type of male camaraderie: with his cousin, in America. Perhaps it is just a combination of the ale and the endorphins released with laughter, but he thinks about how grateful he is for Henry coming into their lives. He was very comfortable in his life with Sybbie and the family here at Downton before; he just did not realize how much better it could be until lately. The business has given him some measure of independence from the family, which was something he wanted on his own accord; he knew they would never want him to feel that he needed it. Henry had wanted that type of independence right from the start. Tom also knows how much Henry loves and respects Mary, and is developing a relationship with George, which just adds to Tom's approval of his partner.

Perhaps it was the length of time since his last such night out, or the welcoming atmosphere at the pub made him not pay attention to how many pints he was enjoying, but Tom is a little more tipsy than Henry. He leans on his brother-in-law for support as they enter the house. They are not quiet, still giggling a little. Mary comes out of one of the main floor rooms, in her night attire. She has been waiting up for them. "Where on earth have you been? Papa said you had called to say that you were having dinner in town, not spending the night there."

Tom attempts to straighten up and warns Henry, "Uh oh. Watch out, Henry. I know that look on her face."

Henry, who is not really drunk, begins to walk over to Mary, opening his arms. "Darling, were you worried? We were just at the pub celebrating our first month in business!" He tries to lean in and kiss her, but she prevents it.

Mary is curt in her response, "We will discuss this in the morning." She leaves them and goes upstairs.

Tom, still waving, snickers a little, "I guess your honeymoon is finally over."

Henry stares after his wife, "Isn't she beautiful, though?"

The next morning, Henry finishes dressing in his dressing room while Mary is still asleep in bed. He takes his jacket from a hanger then walks over to her side of the bed, sits, and kisses her to waken her, caressing her upper arm. He says, gently, "I am sorry for last night, darling. We didn't mean to cause you worry."

Mary rubs her eyes and stretches a bit to rouse herself. "Well, I was worried. It didn't help to have you both come in impaired." She sees that he is already dressed. "I can see you are suffering no ill effects from it this morning."

Henry defends himself, "Oh, I didn't really drink too much-we were having fun, that is all."

Mary will not let him off that easily, "Still, I don't like the idea of you driving all the way from York in that state."

Henry recognizes when he needs to appease Mary, but he also wants her to know that they will continue going out on occasion. "I understand. Look, it is important for Tom and I to get to know more people in the area. But I promise you we will be careful about how much we partake." Henry kisses her forehead.

Even in the relatively short time that Mary has known him, Mary knows that Henry keeps his word. There would be nothing to be gained from staying angry with him. "Thank you-please do."

Henry gets up and puts on his jacket. "I will be back for tea." Then he leaves the room.

Mary begins to rise from bed, but as she swings her legs over and straightens to a sitting position, she makes a face and rubs her stomach a little. Suddenly her eyes go wide, she clamps her hand to her mouth, and hurries to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Henry and Tom meet in the hall on the way into breakfast.

Tom is also fully dressed and ready for the day, albeit perhaps more in need of coffee and some protein than Henry. "How is Mary this morning?"

Henry replies, "The first thing she heard upon waking was an apology from me, so it wasn't too bad."

Tom is impressed. "That was a wise course. Are you sure you haven't been married before?" They both laugh as they begin breakfast.

Sometime in February 1926

Anna is in the bedroom putting a necklace on Mary to finish getting her ready for dinner one evening, as Mary begins to pull on her long gloves. Uncharacteristically, Mary is a little flustered. "Well, that took longer than I expected!"

Anna walks over to the bed and picks up several dresses that were apparently tried but rejected. "I am sorry, m'Lady. I will see about taking out some of your dresses a little."

Mary puts up a hand as she rises, "No apologies needed. I didn't expect I would need such alterations yet." She adjusts the beaded, drop-waisted dress around her hips slightly, thankful for the loose fit around the midsection. "And, Anna, tonight will be a late night with Henry's cousins here. You do not have to attend to me afterward. If I need help, Henry can do it."

"I don't mind m'Lady," Anna protests. She is used to the long hours of her job. Since the baby was born, she usually brings him downstairs with her while she waits, or she sneaks in a nap in her old room while he sleeps in a cradle nearby. Baxter or one of the other staff is very reliable about waking her in time.

"Of course not, but I insist. Please, enjoy a night at home with little Jack," Mary gently orders. Then she realizes that Bates will have to be here for her father, so she is not sure Anna will go home by herself. "Or, simply sleep without worrying about having to awaken on my account."

Anna smiles gratefully, "Thank you, Lady Mary. I will take these with me, and work on them."

Knowing Anna's commitment and loyalty to her job, in spite of being a new mother, Mary smiles in hope that Anna does take a little time to rest, "Very well."

Henry comes back in from having said goodnight to George for the both of them while Mary was finishing. Anna leaves the room. Mary takes Henry's arm and they leave the room together.

At cocktails before dinner, Violet and Lady Shackleton are seated together when Henry and Mary arrive. The couple heads directly over to the two dowagers and give them each a peck on the cheek. Henry greets them warmly, "Ah, my two favorite ladies! You are both looking well as always."

Aunt Prudence's smile at her nephew is genuine, "Hello, dear."

Violet gives Mary and Henry a reproving look, "We were beginning to wonder if we had the wrong night."

Mary is apologetic. "I am sorry, Granny, Lady Prudence. It was entirely my fault trying to find something that fit."

Barrow announces, "The Lord Philip and Lady Muriel Shackleton."

The appropriate greeting line ensues, including Robert, Cora, Mary, Henry, and Tom. Philip's wife, Muriel, is very lovely, and dressed fashionably appropriate for such a dinner. She and Philip are a few years older than Mary and Henry, respectively.

Andy serves cocktails. The ladies gravitate together in a small group, as do the men.

After a little chit chat about how long it has been since they have seen each other, Philip asks Henry, "How are you enjoying your new life in the country? It must be quite different from London."

This is the question that Henry gets asked the most since his marriage. He doesn't mind; it is natural for people to wonder. In this case, Philip knows that Henry loved his former fast-paced lifestyle. But on the whole, Henry loves his new life. He replies, "It is, indeed. But I am enjoying it. I spend most of my days in York, which is busier than Downton."

Philip asks, "York?"

Henry explains, "Yes, My brother-in-law here and I started an automotive business there."

Philip raises his eyebrows in comprehension, "I hadn't heard. It doesn't surprise me, you always have loved cars. When does race season start?"

"Spring as usual, but I have given up racing," Henry shakes his head confidently.

Philip chuckles a little, "Ah, so you are really settling down, eh?" The men snicker a little at this and Henry nods in mock surrender. Philip continues, "I do read your column every now and then. I especially liked the one..."

Cora, Mary, and Muriel are standing and chatting separately. Muriel offers gracious thanks to the hostess, "Thank you for having us, Lady Grantham."

Cora insists, "Cora, please. We are delighted you could come. It has already been six months since the wedding, so I hope you haven't felt snubbed."

Muriel tilts her head back and laughs lightly, "Of course not. We hardly ever saw Henry before, so not hearing from him was no surprise, really. Perhaps now that he has married at our level he will be more comfortable associating with us."

Mary and Cora exchange a glance, wondering why Muriel made such a rude remark. Mary is especially sensitive about negative comments, for Henry's sake as well as her own.

The night has only just begun, so Cora tries to keep the conversation civil by redirecting the topic, "I understand you were in France at the time of the wedding…?"

Unfortunately, Muriel's snobbishness continues, "Yes, it's a shame we could not attend. My mother-in-law told us it was a lovely, simple affair. But it would have to be, wouldn't it, as quick as it was?"

Mary glances at her mother, who warns her with a simple look to take care with her words. Mary is therefore politely defiant when she explains, "It was what Henry and I wanted; I had all the pomp and finery with my first wedding, and didn't need it the second time around."

Muriel agrees, "Yes, I suppose it was more appropriate; your first husband was an heir, after all." She gives a little tilt of her head, as if to offer Mary her sympathies that she did not have as good of a marriage this time. She then continues. "On the other hand, your sister's marriage certainly set the society pages aflutter. (to Cora) You must be immensely pleased with that match."

Cora is about to say that she is happy with all of her daughters' marriages, but she is interrupted by Barrow announcing that dinner is served.

At dinner, Muriel sits to Robert's right, with Tom on her other side. She seems to be turning toward Robert whenever she speaks, however, and keeps her voice low, almost as if he is the only one deserving of her attention. "Lord Grantham, I heard you were taken ill last year. It is good to see that you appear to have made a full recovery."

Robert knows the gossip that flourished about that horrific event, and has learned to take inquiries in stride. "Robert, please. Yes, I am doing much better, thank you. It has helped that I no longer have to bear all of the stresses of managing the estate."

Muriel assumes that Robert is saying Henry has been helping out, so she is taken aback. "I wouldn't have thought Henry would know how to do it-he only ever seemed interested in cars." The last is said with humor, but also some disdain.

Robert chuckles and clarifies for her, "Oh, it is not Henry. Mary and Tom have been co-agents for a while now, and quite frankly are doing a much better job of it than I ever did." Robert glances smiling at Tom while he is saying this. Muriel has an even more surprised expression as she looks between Tom and Robert, and down the table toward Mary.

Tom supports Roberts statement, "That's right. Mary is quite level-headed and makes good decisions."

Muriel remains amazed. "Well!" She appears to be considering something briefly as she is served something. Finally, she says, again turning to Robert. "She likely does have adequate time, doesn't she?"

Tom and Robert were not party to the ladies' discussion before dinner, so are as yet unaware of Muriel's snobbishness. Tom innocently asks, "How do you mean?"

Muriel responds, "She should have very few social obligations, having no title of her own nor her husband to worry about." Her tone and demeanor suggest she is not purposely trying to act up; she acts as if this is an obvious observation one would have made.

Robert straightens. He and the others at that end of the table are clearly unsettled by Muriel's comment. He looks over toward Mary, but it appears she has been engaged in a conversation at the other end of the table so did not hear. Henry may have heard, but he says nothing. Tom wants to respond, and looks to Robert to assure him he will not cause too much of a scene. He has learned a lot over the years at this table. So he simply says, "She takes good care of the obligations that matter. Her family, the staff here, our tenants..."

Prudence, who is on Robert's other side, graciously changes the topic. She turns to Henry on her left, "Henry, Violet tells me you are no longer racing. That pleases me to no end. I worried about you so."

Robert notices that Henry's eyes reflect his thanks to his aunt. So he did hear Muriel, Robert thinks. Henry gestures toward Mary at the other side of the table when he responds to Prudence, "You were not the only one. You have heard that Tom and I have a car shop in York? It has kept me occupied."

Prudence nods, "Yes, and your writing, too." She smiles with evident affection for her nephew, but teases him, "I suppose it was too much to hope you would give up cars altogether."

Cora is at the other end of the table with Philip to her right. It is an uneven number in the party, with an extra female for the number of males. She has put Mary to her other side and the three converse comfortably. Based on the before-dinner conversation with Muriel, she is thankful for these arrangements now. They are unaware of the discomfort at the other end of the table.

Cora knows a little of Philip's family from Violet and Prudence, who they see more regularly, so she is assured of a relatively safe line of conversation by asking after them. "I understand your daughter and son are at college now. Doing well, I trust?"

Philip replies, "Yes, I believe so. You know that age-only give the parents as much information as they think you need."

Mary notes politely that she is ignorant about this, "George is quite young yet-we haven't gotten to that stage yet."

Philip laughs, "You will! At least we can take comfort in the surroundings and authorities at Wycombe and Eton."

At this last comment, which has an implicit assumption that George will go to Eton, Mary smiles at Cora, and states, "Hmm, now that Philip mentions it, we may have a battle in the house when the time comes: Matthew went to Radley, and shouldn't a son follow in his father's steps?"

Philip says jokingly, "Well, I don't want to be responsible for starting a war in the house! They are both excellent choices; I just thought ..."

Mary, smiling, finishes for him, "Yes, all the other Earls of Grantham have attended Eton. Still, I wish to consider what Matthew would have wanted."

Cora glances down at Robert to see if he heard. Thankfully, he has not. Cora is relieved. To Mary, she says, "Thank goodness we have time to start getting your father used to the idea if you really mean it!"

Violet is sitting in between Philip and Henry, and she has been monitoring the conversations at both ends of the table. "George not go to Eton? I am sure Mary is simply attempting to inject a comedic element to the dinner conversation."

Mary will not be dissuaded at the moment. "No, Granny, I fear not."

Violet scoffs at Mary and turns to Henry for support, "Henry, you also went to Eton; perhaps you can convince her of the right path."

Henry and Mary share a look that means this is only the beginning of this discussion. He is actually more amused than anything, and proud of his wife for being loyal to what Matthew might have chosen. He declines to take a stand, saying, "Something tells me we will not resolve this here and now. And as such, I will wait until the issue has a more immediate need for an answer before I voice my opinion."

Violet scoffs and expresses her disappointment at this, "You sound like a politician…"

After going through, the guests are partaking in coffee or after dinner drinks. While all are gathered in the same room, per usual a separation by gender has naturally occurred. Violet has left for the night after dinner.

Muriel thinks back to the dinner conversation of earlier, and attempts to be complementary to Mary, "Mary, since you are clearly doing well here, you'll have to give some of your management secrets to Philip. It seems he is always complaining whenever I buy a new dress! He cannot expect me to wear last year's fashions."

After the fiasco in getting ready for dinner, and knowing what the months ahead will bring, fashion is the last thing Mary wants to discuss. "I shall not have to worry about that myself for a while. With this pregnancy, it seems I will have to be satisfied with wearing a tent!"

Muriel raises her eyebrows and cocks her head to indicate she has just now become aware of Mary's pregnancy. She titters at the thought, and declares, "Indeed! No fashionable beach outfits for you this summer! Being with child at your age, no one will expect you to be anything other than matronly."

Cora and Mary, and even Prudence are again appalled at the cheek of Muriel. Mary has had enough, finally, so while taking a sip of her drink, she smiles sweetly, saying "Perhaps you could give me the name of your dressmaker?"

Muriel looks as if she is offended, but tries to hide it. She attempts to catch her husband's eye across the room.

The men have been closing out their conversation. Philip tells Henry and Tom, "I do get in to York on occasion, so I will stop in to your shop one time."

Tom is encouraging, "Please do! We are very proud of it."

Henry adds, "One of us should be there, at least. I do go to London every few weeks."

Philip inquires, "For your articles?"

"Yes, lately as a meeting point for car assessments. But also to scout out cars for the shop," Henry answers.

Philip wonders if Henry is also trying to keep some of his bachelor life after all. "Are you staying in touch with your racing gang?"

Henry nods and is forthcoming in his reply, "In fact, my former team manager coordinated one of my test drives. Other than that, it is social, but not the same without Charlie. Tom and I do think it will help to stay engaged with the team for connections for our shop."

Robert agrees, "No doubt." Then he adds with a tease, "But I am not sure you'll find many takers for used race cars out here now that both of my daughters are taken."

Henry smiles at the reference to his own reason for being in Yorkshire when he and Mary reconnected, and glances over at the women to try to catch her eye. He notices that Muriel is looking their way, and subtly gestures to Philip about it while taking a sip of his drink.

Philip gets the hint, and turns attention to his wife, who is clearly signalling her desire to depart. He turns to Robert, "It has been a delightful night. Thank you, but we must be going now."

Robert knows when a party is winding down, "It was a pleasure to have you!"

As the guests are preparing to leave, Prudence implores Henry, "Henry, I do hope you and Mary will come visit your dear aunt every now and then."

Henry accepts the invitation generally, "Thank you, Aunt Prudence. We will be delighted to."

The three guests depart at the same time.

The family gathers back in the red room for a small nightcap. Henry feels the need to thank his in-laws for their hospitality to his relations, and also apologize. "My apologies, Cora and Robert. I had hoped Muriel mellowed a bit."

Per usual, Mary expresses her displeasure openly, "You did warn us, but she is positively ghastly!"

Tom is quick to point out the irony, "Mary, I hate to be the one to say it, but you used to be nearly that snobbish."

Mary cannot argue about her past, but is defensive about her current point of view, "But I grew up!"

Tom agrees, smiling, "And we are all thankful for it."

Cora of course attempts to find some positive in the evening, "Philip seems a reasonable fellow."

Robert agrees, "Yes, his father was a good man."

Henry tries to explain, "As I mentioned to Mary, the family questioned the match. The story I heard was that Muriel's family had come on hard times, and there was a sense from some that she was merely looking for a monied haven for herself. But Philip was quite taken with Muriel's beauty, and that was that."

Mary stifles a yawn. Henry notices, and offers Mary his hand, saying, "It is time to retire, I see. Good night, all."