"Some old bore, she said. I guess he was going to propose," Lady Mary Crawley said with a small laugh.

Sir Anthony Strallan was no fool. He had cultivated the ability to put patterns together from seemingly inconsequential details over decades of being on the outside looking in. Being somewhat awkward had not helped his social life much, but it had helped Britain numerous times.

So when he heard Lady Mary's reason for not being able to find Lady Edith at the garden party, though his first reaction was acute embarrassment, he stopped, let out a breath he had choked in, and let his head do the thinking instead of his heart.

The details flashed in his mind, clicking into place like a jigsaw puzzle. The snippets of conversation he had overheard, the looks between the sisters, the odd things Edith had said about herself and her family. His urge to run faded, as if he had stepped out of a badly written script for a very melodramatic play.

"I believe, Lady Mary, that I am the "old bore," he said gently, with a small smile as to let her off the hook. It was all so clear, now. Lady Mary was very much a petulant child who had been indulged all of her life. She was simultaneously scornful and jealous of Edith, or of anyone that received attention other than herself. He had given her his attention once, when it was clear he had been invited as a possible suitor. Aristocracy had its certain customs and parts to play, of course.

But as all of this flashed through his mind, he spied Edith over Mary's shoulder in the distance. He knew she would never say any such thing. Even if she did not wish to accept him, he knew she would be kind about it.

He left Lady Mary with her mouth slightly open, speechless, as he took off his hat to Lady Edith coming forward. She had a slightly worried smile on her face, seeing him next to Mary.

"Hello!" she said brightly. She was trying to learn how not to be forward. She had never received any type of attention from a man, and hoped she didn't come off as needy.

"Hello!" he returned, with his own charming smile. Edith adored his smile. "I was hoping to see you."

"That's very nice, so few people do," Edith said, with a small laugh, looking at her hands.

He was sure of his assessment now. Lady Mary had been allowed to bully this lovely creature for far too long.

"I thought we might take a walk beside the lake, if that would be agreeable to you?" he asked, offering her his arm, a little concern showing in his bright blue eyes. He really did not want to ask his question in the middle of the party.

"Oh, yes, that would be lovely," Edith answered, slipping her arm into his. She refused to look back at Mary, who was fuming.

"It would seem I have not thought through some things," Anthony mused as the strolled on the outskirts of the party. The peace of the water, the smell of summer in the air, gave Edith quite the impression it was just the two of them in the entire world.

"What do you mean?" she asked gently, somehow no longer afraid. It seemed so natural to walk with this man.

"Lady Gervis, at dinner, said she thought us a wonderful pair," Anthony smiled at the memory of that night. "But what I had not considered was that there would be others who might not think so, and be willing to make their feelings known on the subject."

"Did Mary say something horrible to you?" Edith asked, stopping him. "If she did, it was only to spite me. That's always been our relationship. Though, to be fair," Edith looked down at the grass in shame, "I have been horrible as well, on occasion."

"I am starting to understand you more, my dear," he said, gently pushing up her chin with a finger to look at him. His eyes were more serious now, but she saw only acceptance there, not judgement. "And I hope you have also thought through being seen with me. I am a bit older –"

"Age is only one factor … in a relationship," Edith nearly whispered, a slight warmth coming to her cheeks. She had thought this through many times, worried that he would use it as an excuse to no longer see her, but it was still a little embarrassing to talk about such things. "I have been invisible my entire life. You are the only one that have ever listened to my words, my… feelings," and now she blushed red, feeling very forward, indeed.

Hesitantly, he cupped her cheek with his hand. Just touching her silky skin made it difficult to breathe. She stirred feelings with him he had thought long dead.

Edith closed her eyes at the touch. Crawleys didn't touch each other, they formally hugged and kissed. It was so easy to fall for this man, and she so wanted to be worthy of him.

Internally, though, Anthony was seething. Angry at the Crawly family for ignoring this ravishing, intelligent and kind woman to the point that she would find the attentions of a lonely widower pleasant. But he knew he could not give her up, now.

"Then, if you're sure, I would be bold enough to ask for your hand in marriage," Anthony said softly, gazing into the depths of her warm, chocolate eyes.

Edith stared at him for several seconds. She actually had to convince herself that she had heard him correctly. Her whole body flushed as she nearly screamed, "Yes, oh yes!" and flung herself into his arms.

Several of those that happened to be closest to the happy couple turned their heads at Lady Edith's cry, and saw the embrace. Sir Anthony was well aware of the attention, and after setting her down, he took her hand with a smile as bright as day, blues eyes twinkling with happiness, and said, "We should go tell your father before the guests do." She smiled grandly back, and they walked hand in hand, as a couple in love, to the middle of the garden party.

Lord and Lady Grantham watched them walk towards the main tent. Cora had told Robert what would probably occur, and he was glad. Maybe he had thought Strallan a bit dull, but he had seen how Edith had blossomed under his attention in the last few months. He was a gentleman, and would know how to treat his middle daughter well.

Handshakes were made all around, with Cora kissing Anthony on the cheek. The celebratory atmosphere, however, was interrupted by a telegram. Robert ripped it open, annoyed at the distraction. But his eyes told Anthony the news. Anthony knew it would happen soon.

"We're at war with Germany," Robert said. Everyone froze, though you could hear the news being spread.

Edith gripped Anthony's arm and looked into his eyes. What would this mean for everyone… for them?

EAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEA

He had come to Downton as soon as he had read the telegram delivered to Locksleigh.

"I've had some concerning news regarding the war," Sir Anthony started as soon as Thomas showed him into the drawing room, where Lord and Lady Grantham, Lady Mary, and Lady Edith were discussing the same topic. It had only been two days since the garden party, where Lord Grantham had received the telegram about the start of the war with Germany.

It was quite clear to everyone present, however, that Sir Anthony's news was mostly meant for Lady Edith. Anthony's eyes had sought hers out as soon as he had entered the room, and he was having a difficult time acknowledging Lord Grantham properly. She was gorgeous, as always, but it hit Strallan quite forcefully as he looked at her – she would soon be his.

"What's happened, Str- Anthony?" Lord Grantham asked. The engagement was still new, after all, and Robert had yet to get used to Anthony's place in their family. Anthony ripped his eyes from Edith and looked at Robert distractedly.

"I believe you're aware that I have served the government for some time in a role that's probably best described as…advisory, concerning Germany and Austria," Anthony explained carefully.

"Yes, of course, you mentioned having gone there just recently," Edith said, concern in her eyes. Anthony found himself nearly drowning in them. No one had shown concern for him personally in many years, or bothered to remember details of his conversations.

"Yes. But what I did not mention is that I am considered… somewhat an expert on….certain aspects of Germanic culture. I actually hold a barony in Northern Germany, if you recall," looking back at Lord Grantham.

"I thought you were only a Baronet?" Mary asked sharply. Edith pressed her lips together in annoyance. Of course that would be the point Mary would be interested in.

"In England, yes. I've never made much of the title here." His piercing blue eyes looked over to Edith, and she saw amusement in them. She smiled back brilliantly, in a moment completely understanding the petulant child he saw Mary as. It nearly brought tears to her eyes, the realization that Mary had no power over her anymore.

"Are the Germans giving you trouble over that? Could it be taken from you?" Lord Grantham asked.

"It's early yet to tell how this will affect landholders in both countries, but I am in a position of trust here, so they are sending me abroad. They want to smuggle me into Germany."

The room gave a collective gasp. "Won't that be dangerous?" Edith asked, her voice wavering slightly.

"I have cultivated many contacts in Germany over the years. Those contacts need to be… assessed," he said, somewhat vaguely. "I hopefully won't be gone much more than a few weeks, though I am being drafted as a Major, mostly likely for as long as the war lasts." Here he looked directly at Edith, making no mistake as to why he had come with this news. "I leave tomorrow."

Edith blanched, speechless. Cora spoke for her, saying, "I'm sure it will turn out well, Anthony. We can start wedding plans as soon as you return." Edith looked over to her mother in gratitude, and then turned back to Anthony.

"Can you at least stay for dinner?" Edith asked, her voice full of the emotion she was bursting with inside. She had had so little time with this man. She had thought there would be ages to get to know him at a deeper level before their wedding. Edith mentally ridiculed herself. As if anything would go right for you. She squashed the voice before it said anything else mean.

"If you'll have me," Anthony nodded at Edith, and then looked at Lady Grantham for confirmation.

"Of course."

"Then I shall return at six more properly attired." He nodded to Lord Grantham, gave Edith one last look, and exited. Edith followed him with her eyes, and then turned to her mother.

"Well, who knew Sir Anthony was so well placed?" Mary said. Everyone knew it was meant snidely.

"Mary, you really need to hold your tongue from now on. This is war. I won't have Anthony spoken of like that," Lord Grantham rebuked his oldest daughter. Mary's mouth opened to say something in retort, but saw the look in her father's eyes.

"Edith will need a little time alone with Anthony after dinner, Robert," Core said softly, changing the subject deftly. Edith had always admired her mother's social grace.

"Of course. I trust you both, though we will need to make a more formal announcement of your engagement, tomorrow even, even if it was somewhat public," he said to Edith. She knew he was only being concerned for her reputation, but Edith was thrilled and nervous at the same time. She hadn't been alone with Anthony since before he had proposed.

Anthony's valet, Davis, had finished packing a small bag of essentials by the time he returned to Locksleigh. His tails, however, were freshly pressed and waiting for him. Davis had been with him for many years, and knew his master well. He had come on just before Maud had died in a riding accident six years ago. The entire house staff was elated when their master had proposed to Lady Edith. They were fiercely loyal to this man that was so quiet and gentle, yet had had so much heartbreak.

Anthony didn't go up directly to dress, however. There was something he needed to do before leaving in the morning. He sat at his writing desk, and composed a telegram to his solicitor in London. He had asked for time to stop there tomorrow, and wanted Higgins to have everything ready for him to sign.

Dinner was only slightly awkward, as Sir Anthony had not yet dined with them as a soon-to-be family member. Mary behaved herself, for once, seemingly having learnt it was no longer acceptable to disparage Edith or her suitor. She was still somewhat miffed that she hadn't known the full extent of his wealth and peerage, and mystified as to what he saw in Edith at all. So she watched. If nothing else, Mary always wanted to be "in the know".

Sir A- Just Anthony, Mary reminded herself, kept the conversation far away from the war. He spoke more about the modernization in agriculture, and what he had been doing at Locksleigh. Edith was actually interested in equipment –tractors, harvesters, planters, etc. That didn't surprise Mary a bit, remembering how Edith was always fascinated with things that moved on their own as a child.

No, what surprised Mary was that she had actually started to understand the logistics and importance of what Anthony was doing with his estate. She had never felt compelled to "do" something with her life, but Downton was extremely important to her.

"Anthony," Mary began when there was a lull in conversation, "Would you be able to estimate how much more profitable Locksleigh is now, after all of these improvements? Is it really worth the effort, especially on a larger estate, Downton, for example?"

Edith shot daggers at her sister for the implication that Locksleigh was nothing compared to Downton. But Anthony saw the question differently. Maybe Mary wasn't interested in the fine details of harvesters, but the question was more in line with the interests of an estate agent. Anthony paused, clearly thinking over his answer.

"It's actually a very good question. Larger estates would have to invest more, and therefore wouldn't see the return of profit as soon. But it is my understanding that of the larger estates that have already modernized their farming and livestock assets, increased revenue simply does not materialize fast enough if an estate tries to "ease into it", as they say. It really is, quite, an "all or nothing" venture."

"That's…illuminating," she said, as she looked over to Papa. Perhaps Anthony would be an asset to the family, after all….

The ladies went through, and Robert waved to Carson to offer Anthony a cigar. Anthony took it, though he didn't smoke often, as a sign of acceptance.

"Edith does have a dowry, of course," Robert began. Anthony knew this conversation would have to occur, though he was not at all interested in her money. "Though I would appreciate some consideration to be made on allowing Edith access to at least a portion of it. My own father entailed all of Cora's money to the estate, which has created quite the pickle, as you know."

"I completely understand and agree. My own estate is not entailed, though the title would die with me if I have no direct heir, as baronetcy's do, of course. I would agree to Edith keeping possession of the entirety of her dowry."

Robert looked surprised. "Locksleigh does that well?"

Anthony managed not to smile with pride. "Yes. Modernization is a good thing for these old estates, Robert."

Robert leaned backwards in thought.

"We should call it an early night," Cora said as everyone finished an after dinner drink. Robert nodded. "Please take care of yourself, Anthony, and I'm sure we will see you soon. Edith, please ring Carson if you need anything," making it clear his approval for Anthony to be alone with Edith.

"Thank you Robert," he said as they shook hands, but quickly turning to Edith. Everyone else filed out of the room. They were finally alone.

Edith gestured at the seat next to her. "Would you like to sit down?" her voice wavered nervously.

"Yes, thank you," he said. They sat next to each other for a few minutes, unsure of themselves and their relationship.

"An odd start, wouldn't you agree?" Anthony said, looking at her with a smile on his lips.

Edith relaxed with a soft chuckle. She saw right through the joke, as the smile didn't reach his eyes to make them sparkle.

"Yes, quite. Though it doesn't surprise me, my life has yet to go anywheres near normal," she said, with a sad smile of her own. Anthony knew there was a story there, but there would be time to learn more of each other.

"I feel the need to tell you something, before I go," Anthony looked down at his hands. Edith held her tongue, understanding more about this man by the minute. He was a man of few words by breeding, by kindness and by being more interested in others than himself, but also in a… hesitancy of knowing the right words. They were very much, two of a kind.

"I-" he paused, sighed, and started again, "I have never been able to easily express myself. To be honest, I was actually quite surprised I was able to get out my proposal without making a fool of myself," he looked at her with a self-depreciating smile.

Edith touched his arm in a way that she hoped was comforting. She hadn't really touched him yet, much less any man since being out of the nursery. The feel of his muscle beneath his jacket was… erotic.

"I have 38 years of mistakes, secrets, and habits that - there are many such things you should know about me - but I would like to be clear. My feelings for you, are – genuine," he said the last sentence quickly, certain he was going to completely cock this up. Edith smiled, and his worries seemed to melt away.

"Thank you. I sometimes feel – a little pushy, as if I goaded you in an unladylike way into –"

"Not in the least. I am simply a bit surprised that you accepted. I never thought I have anything lovely in my life again, after Maud…." He paused, quickly uncomfortable where he had taken the conversation.

Edith stopped him. "You needn't talk about it now. There's quite a lot I would like to explain to you, about myself, my family… But we needn't do it now." She let out a breath. "But what I do need to say now is… I love you, Anthony Strallan."

"Edith Crawley, I very much love you, too." He hadn't been certain that this was love until that moment at the lake. He held up his hand to her cheek, touching her soft skin again. It was a gesture he would love to able to repeat for years to come.

He had meant to tell her so much more, about his work, about his true place in the government. But now, as he stared at her lips, it was not the right time.

"May I kiss you?" he whispered. Edith heart raced, her eyes wide and bright. She nodded.

He leaned forward slowly, brushing his lips to hers. Edith sat straight, almost stiff with not knowing how to respond. But her already parted lips, in trying to catch her breath, allowed him a small taste.

Anthony had to restrain himself from moaning in desire. The most experienced woman in Paris couldn't have any softer lips, or taste so divine. He gently titled his head with his hand, to better explore her delicious lips. A wave of pleasure over-road any self-consciousness Edith had, as she parted her lips, allowing his tongue access.

Her body felt like melting pool of… she had no idea, didn't want to think, only wanted this feeling to never, ever, end.

Anthony nearly lost all sense of propriety, exploring her mouth with his tongue, tasting her thoroughly, it was heaven….

And then he pulled back gently, trying hard to control himself. Edith's eyes were still closed, her lips parted, panting slightly, with her hands making their way to his arms of their own volition.

He couldn't help grinning like a fool. It might be unfair to compare this moment with Maud, but it couldn't be helped. Maud had always been so restrained, so Victorian even in their most private moments… Anthony was nearly giddy at the idea that he could actually excite a woman, no matter her inexperience, or his age.

Edith opened her eyes slowly, obviously still deeply affected. "Is it always like that?" she asked innocently.

"I don't know what it is like for others, but I hope it will be for us," he said truthfully. He leaned forward again and kissed her gently on her brow. "I should probably go, I have to catch the early train to London."

"Of course," she said, a little shakily, both from that earth-shattering kiss and from knowing he was going into danger. She rang Carson to have Anthony's car brought around, and walked with him outside.

Carson walked up to her, his eyes soft. "I believe you forgot this, my lady," he said gently. "Oh, I did," she said, looking at the photo he handed to her, and then blushed at the memory of why she had been distracted.

She looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Carson." They had never been the friends that he and Lady Mary were, but in that moment, he knew how much she appreciated him.

"I had wanted to give you this," she turned to Anthony. Carson walked back into the house to give them privacy. It was a picture of her, taken only a few years before. "I thought…"

"It is lovely, though not as lovely as the original," he said truthfully. "I will carry it with me, until I return."

And with his eyes bright with emotion, he got into his Rolls Royce and drove off. Edith clutched at her shawl. She was fearful. She had never been this happy.