It was much harder than first expected. Tom had never really known anything about the law and now all he seemed to do when he was alone was to scan law books, reading all passages to do with marriage and law to fix Mary's life. It didn't make it easier either that there wasn't much information to be found on that particular field.

Days flew and soon a week had passed since Mary saw Doctor Clarkson.

Tom was disgusted at the thought that she had to sleep in the same bed as Henry and that she had to pretend to be a happy wife in front of people. It was awful to watch and he was certain that people would notice something was wrong. But surprisingly to Tom, who was a very kind and observant character, the rest of the family didn't seem to notice anything as Mary's ability to fool others and to hide her feelings was beyond superb. It was a blessing and a curse.

That weekend Edith had a guest, Laura Edmunds, her editor. She was to come up to Downton to celebrate the re-engagement of Edith and Bertie and arrived just in time for tea.

Mary was having tea in a corner of the drawing room with Henry quietly talking to her, when Laura started to walk over to Tom. "Downton is beautiful," she commented.

"Yes, indeed, it is," Tom kindly replied with a brief smile.

"I understand why Edith will miss living here after her wedding," she said, keen to get into a conversation with Tom.

"I guess she will be happy wherever she lives with Bertie," he replied, looking over to Edith and Bertie who were in a deep conversation, Edith's eyes were beaming.

"Certainly," Laura replied. "Anyway, I am happy for Edith. Finally, it worked out." She paused and her eyes scanned the room, resting for a few seconds on Mary. "Mary almost destroyed her engagement to Bertie. I don't envy Edith for having such a sister," Laura bluntly said.

Tom's eyes narrowed at that last part. He wasn't oblivious to the fact that Mary often was perceived as a cold, calculated person, but hearing it from somebody who didn't know her at all, was too much. To him, Mary was a loving, kind person whose actions sometimes were rooted in her own misfortune. Unfortunately, Mary considered herself to be an unkind person, too. "Mary and Edith's relationship is not our concern at all. We would be foolish to judge them on how they treat each other," Tom responded in a manner that made Laura understand he would not allow anything bad said about Lady Mary in his presence.

"I didn't mean it li-"

But he interrupted her. "I know you meant it, but I wouldn't expect anything less from such a strong-minded, opinionated woman that you are. However, Lady Mary's behaviour is nothing of your concern." He tore his eyes from Laura's and looked for Mary. She was still with Henry, but staring at him and Miss Edmunds.

Laura seemed awed. Her eyes rested on Tom. She admired his honesty and his confidence in speaking his mind.

"Excuse me," Tom said, casting her a brief but friendly smile. He hastily walked over to Mary just when Henry took off to talk to Cora.

"You and Miss Edmunds seem to get on very well," Mary commented upon his arrival. "I hope you are happy with me commenting that she looks rather unhappy now that you left her all by herself. If I am not mistaken, she is rather fond of you."

"Would you be happy if I got on well with Miss Edmunds?" Tom asked, raising his eyebrows.

"My dear Tom, of course I would be. Nothing gives more pleasure to me than seeing you happy," she was quick to respond.

Tom nodded. He didn't even know why he asked that. Miss Edmunds was a nice, modern woman, but he had no interest to get to know her better whatsoever.

Before he could say anything though, Mary continued. "I even overheard mama and papa talking how well you two would be together. They think she would be a good fit for you."

He was surprised Robert and Cora would even enter such a conversation about him. "Would you say the same?" Tom was curious now.

Mary wasn't one to disguise her opinion. Although, this time she struggled to be truthful and was looking for the right way to voice her opinion about Laura Edmunds. "Well, she definitely seems to be a woman confident in herself and she is blunt and modern to say the least. An improvement compared to Miss Bunting, I have to admit."

Tom started grinning and when she noticed his grin, her lips curled up into a beautiful smile, too. Both of them started giggling. It was liberating to just let go and laugh, like some sort of protection against all bad things and troubles.

That moment, Henry decided to come back. "What are you laughing about?" he asked with a smile, but Tom saw behind his charming façade.

"Tom was just telling me a joke…" Mary trailed off, composing herself again.

"Indeed," Tom confirmed, winking at Mary.

"I saw you talking to Miss Edmunds earlier on," Henry commented, turning towards Tom. "Edith told me she is rather interested in getting to know you."

"Is she? Well…" Tom said, glancing at Laura Edmunds who was indeed looking his direction. She saw it as a clue and joined them.

"I think we should retire and let Tom and Miss Edmunds be," Henry whispered to Mary, grabbing her hand and pulling her away from Tom.

Seeing Tom and Laura talking, Mary's insides turned over. It was quite hard for her to see him with any women, let alone Miss Edmunds who Mary thought was quite like Tom in thinking and ideas. She was jealous, if she wanted to admit it or not. She wasn't used to sharing Tom's attention with anybody else.

"MiLady," Mrs Hughes suddenly asked for Mary's attention. She appeared out of nowhere. "Is it alright if the children are brought down?" Her smile was as kind as ever.

Happy for an excuse to get rid of Henry, Mary nodded and said, "Of course. I would be delighted."

Not even ten minutes later, Marigold was running towards Edith, while George and Sybbie were taken by Robert and Cora. They both loved their grandchildren dearly and were keen on spending time with them. It didn't take long until Bertie was locked in a corner with Edith and Marigold, getting to know his soon-to-be step-daughter. Jealousy rose in Mary when she observed them. Edith was happier than anybody had ever imagined her to be. She had a lovely daughter, a loving fiancé and most importantly true love in her life. Who would have thought how their fates would change? From poor Edith to happy, successful and interesting Edith. Mary's life had changed drastically, too; although not for the better. She had been allowed one moment of happiness in its greatest form. She knew it had been love in its purest form when she was holding George in her arms, Matthew kissing her – her family. Since then there was a bubble around her, not allowing her to be happy again and just when she thought she broke the bubble, she realized that there was a dark, dark cloud rising above her.

"Mummy, mummy!" George's voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked down to her son who was holding up a little soft toy, a dog. It was a lovely one, but she had never seen it before.

"Where did you get this from?" she asked, kneeling down to face her son.

Puerile pride resonated from him. "Tom gave it to me," he answered, grinning. He quickly ran back to Tom only to throw his little arms around Tom's neck.

Mary thoroughly enjoyed that sight. A rare smile lightened up her face, a smile that took over her whole face and that had the power to ban all angry, jealous and troublesome thoughts from her mind. A smile that only a few people could bring about, two of them just hugging each other.

Suddenly, Carson entered the drawing room. "Mr Branson, there is a phone call for you."

With a quick look at Mary and letting go George, Tom followed Carson out of the room. Mary sat down on the couch, next to Cora and Sybbie.

After what felt like forever, Tom appeared in the door, but only Mary seemed to notice that he was back. He set his eyes on her when he motioned to her to come to him. Then he was gone again. "Excuse me, darling," Mary said to Sybbie who was sitting on her lap by now. She placed Sybbie on Cora's lap, stood up and quickly walked towards the door. Henry's eyes were following her, she could feel his eyes on her back. It was uncomfortable and Mary knew that he would be angry with her, but in that moment she wanted to get to Tom.

"What is it?" she asked as soon as Tom came into her sights. His back was turned towards her. When he turned around, Mary stepped forward.

"Kieran called..." he trailed off.

"Why? You haven't heard from him in ages." Mary frowned.

"He is in Ripon today and tomorrow. He said it is to do with business, but he wants to meet up to see Sybbie, too. Do you think Edith will mind me not being there for the banquet tonight?"

Mary couldn't help but sigh and roll her eyes. "Of course Edith would be terrible disappointed if you are not here for the celebration. Anyway Tom, Kieran is your brother. He can come here and have dinner with us. I am sure Edith won't mind. Downton is your home, too."

"Can't you remember the last time he was here? I don't want him to ruin what is to be a fantastic night."

"But that was years ago... And as you know, I am still fond of diamonds." Mary smiled at him in an encouraging manner.

A laugh escaped Tom. He clearly remembered how he once had described Kieran as a 'rough diamond' to Mary. "I don't think it's a good idea to invite him here-"

"Call him back and invite him here. We have a room free, too. I am going to tell Anna to prepare it," Mary continued, interrupting him. As always, Mary wouldn't take no for an answer.

Tom wasn't sure though if he liked the prospect of his brother coming. He knew Kieran wouldn't approve of the life he had built here in Downton, his lifestyle and he would certainly tell him how Tom didn't belong to the Crawley's, to Downton.

"However, don't let him convince you how you don't belong with us, because you do," Mary said firmly, her brown eyes locking with Tom's when his lips curled up into a grateful smile.