Attention readers I'm am so sorry that this hasn't come out as quickly as I would like. A lot has been happening and I almost gave up on this story. Two things: one this will be the last chapter of this story. Number two will be out in a little while. I have a lot on my mind and it will be a while before getting the second story out. Please comment your reaction to the news. Thank you for the support through out this story journey.

Mary was told not worry about her new baby brother. She knew her parents were very excited when they announced their new addition. But she could only see her future collapsing. Her future at ever possibly living here at Downton Abbey when her new baby brother comes of age. She sat staring at her reflection in her mirror while Anna prepared her hair for bed.

"How did Leonard come to be?" Mary asked knowing the baby was found by the servants.

"That I'm not sure." Anna said softly with a smile as she had finished with Mary's hair. "All I know is that Mrs. Hughes and William found him."

"There wasn't a note or anything?"

"Not that I know of." Anna said simply. "If you want I can ask Mrs. Hughes to see."

"That won't be necessary." Mary said standing up and climbing into her bed.

"Goodnight, Lady Mary." Anna said turning off the lights and closing her door.

*~/~*

Mrs. Hughes struggled to relax as she was so used to having Leonard next to her. She knew she needed to be professional about taking care of another member of the Crawley family but she couldn't felt alone and empty as she made her way through the servants quarters trying to relax herself so she could sleep.

As she walked down the empty halls she heard a bell being rung in the dining area and Mrs. Hughes walked in to see that the bell was from Lord and Lady Crawley's room. Nobody else was awake besides her and she grabbed her robe to make herself more decent before she rushed towards the Crawley's room knocking softly.

"Mrs. Hughes," Cora said over the soft crying sound of Leonard that had been placed in their room. "He won't stop crying."

"I'll see what I can do, Lady Crawley." Mrs. Hughes said not caring that she was walked in wearing her nightgown and robe before walking towards Leonard who was tossing and turning in the bassinet. "Sh...Leonard it's okay." Mrs. Hughes said softly bending down low and scooped up the child who nuzzled against her chest. "I apologize for my appearance Lady Crawley."

"No, need to apologize, Mrs. Hughes." Cora said smiling.

"Where is Lord Crawley?" Mrs. Hughes asked finally noticing that he was absent.

"He left with his mother to disgust Leonard's future. He said he'll be back in the morning." Mrs. Hughes nodded and looked down at Leonard who was now sniffing but still wouldn't sleep. "He seems very fond of you Mrs. Hughes." Cora said smiling.

"I must say I became fond of him too." Mrs. Hughes gently patted Leonard's back and the two woman started to laugh when the room was filled with a large burp. "Forgive me My lady."

"No need, Mrs. Hughes." Cora said and gently took Leonard. "I know you have a lot on your plate, but would you be willing to-"

"I'd love to help with Leonard." Mrs. Hughes interrupted with a smile and Cora nodded.

*~/~*

Just as promised Robert Crawley arrived just after sunup the next morning his face low as he was deep in thought.

"Good morning My lord." Mr. Carson said as they all stood at attention just outside the house. "How was last night?"

"It was just fine, Carson." Robert said. "Would you gather everyone and tell them to meet me in the library?" Mr. Carson nodded while Robert walked inside the house and headed towards the library. He took a seat on the couch while he waited for everyone to arrive.

*~/~*

Mrs. Hughes had the privilege of holding Leonard who nuzzled closely towards the woman's chest a sleepy smile spreading over his face.

"He slept so good last night," Cora smiled gently tickling Leonard's cheek. "But it's such a welcome to see that he's comfortable with you Mrs. Hughes."

"I appreciate that, Lady Crawley." Mrs. Hughes sighed looking at Leonard's cheeks slowly turn pink as he slept. She loosed the blanket that had swaddled him before looking up as Lord Crawley cleared his throat.

"Well, I'm glad that you are all here, this morning." Robert said his voice was soft spoken as he glanced over at the small bundle that was in Mrs. Hughes' arms before continuing. "I had spent most of last night discussing Leonard's future here at Downton." Everyone leaned in closer waiting to hear what was decided. The one that leaned in closer and trembled the most was Mary who's dark eyes were trying to see through her father's mind to see the choice before he spoke. "It has been decided that, Leonard Crawley will in fact be a member of our family."

"What of the Abby?" Mary asked causing Sybil to glance at her sister.

Robert sighed and gently took Leonard away from Mrs. Hughes who stirred slightly before falling asleep once again. His eyes sparkled in the early morning light as he looked up at the staff and family. "The Abby will be his once he becomes of age." Mary slowly sat down in one of the arm chairs in shock of watching her future slip away to a child that wasn't directly the bloodline of hers.