MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR: I retired last November, but decided that poverty was distasteful and returned to work online as a temp. That has slowed down the wrapping up of this story.

This is the last of the memory chapters. The next chapter will pick up the story in New York. There aren't many chapters remaining, but there are some major occurrences.

Please excuse me. I must start and finish my income tax return!

Stay safe, Raymond O'Katz.

CHAPTER 114 - MINNIE CHILDS

The Bedroom
of the Former Bates Cottage

April 15, 1930

Minnie sang as she unpacked her underthings and arranged and rearranged them in the chest of drawers. Lady Mary had insisted she move in immediately and make the cottage her own. Max would join her after the wedding.

You made me love you
I didn't want to do it
I didn't want to do it

Minnie laughed. She didn't want to do it, not at first. Her initial meeting with the new butler had been ordinary at best. It was later, when he first made overtures that she put the poor darling in his place. She cringed at the memory of her indignation. "How dare you! Do you think I'm some innocent you can threaten?"

She remembered Max stepping back against the wall, clearly shocked by her response. "Threaten?"

"This isn't my first position, Mr Brouette. I know how things are. You expect me to permit you liberties in exchange for my security in this house."

"Liberties! But I never ..."

"Don't count on it!"

"I only ..."

"I'm an established and respected member of this household, Mr Brouette, and you dare make advances when you haven't finished your first week? You're a fool."

"I may be a fool, but I'm no scoundrel."

"Ha!"

"I only invited you to the cinema. I'd hardly call that making advances."

"And my answer is no. I'd hardly call that an invitation to continue this conversation."

Max stared at her a moment and smiled. "Forgive me. It's only that ... do you know that the angrier you become, the more your curls bounce? Vous hypnotisez-moi."

Minnie remembered feeling ridiculous yet unable to let go of her resentment. "How dare you!"

"How dare I, indeed!" Max bowed deeply. "Forgive me, Miss Childs."

"Keep your distance. That's all I ask."

"I'll be happy to oblige ... in exchange for one small favour."

"And now we have it!"

"Miss Childs, I ask only that you speak to Jenny ... Miss Lee about me. We've worked in the same household for years. She knows my character as well as anyone."

"You can't bluff me, Mr Brouette. I will speak to her."

"Excellent. Now you must excuse me, Miss Childs. Mr Barrow's giving me a tour of the village. À bientôt."

"À bien ... goodbye!"

Minnie recalled her bewildered state that afternoon, serving tea in the library, all the while wrestling with the outrage Max had sparked in her. She chastised herself thoroughly as she returned the tray to the kitchen where she was intercepted by Thomas.

"Minnie, do you have a moment?"

"For you? Always."

Thomas followed her to his pantry and closed the door behind them. "Minnie, do you have reservations about Mr Brouette taking my position?"

"What makes you ask?"

"According to him, he invited you to see The 50-50 Girl, and he says you were deeply offended." Thomas perched on the edge of his desk. "What was it, Minnie?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? That doesn't sound like you."

"I suppose not."

Minnie watched as Thomas turned over the matter in his mind. "In Paris, John and I were friendly with Mr Brouette and thought him a fine man. Still, we can't say we know him. Not that it matters. A man's behaviour when he's alone with a woman is a mystery to his friends, wouldn't you say ... unless, of course, the woman chooses to break her silence." Thomas paused as though to give Minnie a chance to digest his words. "Minnie, if Mr Brouette's behaved badly, then you must break your silence. You must think of the other women in this house."

"Thomas, I'm so embarrassed."

"You shouldn't be."

"Yes, I should. I was the one who behaved badly. Mr Brouette did nothing wrong."

"Nothing?"

"Not a thing."

"I'm surprised, Minnie. What's gotten into you?"

"I wish I knew. I'm afraid I owe Mr Brouette an apology. I hope I haven't spoiled his new position for him."

Thomas shrugged. "I doubt it. He was concerned that he had broken some unspoken rule, that's all." Thomas's pretty blue eyes studied Minnie for a moment before he reached for her hand. "Minnie ...?"

"Mm?"

"We've had grand times these last few years, haven't we?"

"The grandest."

Thomas lowered his voice. "My darling girl, I don't mean to seem vain, but is it possible that you were angry with Mr Brouette out of loyalty to me?"

Thomas's words caught Minnie by surprise, but she knew instantly they were true. She averted her eyes and nodded.

Thomas touched Minnie's face with the tip of his finger. "I'm going to miss these dimples, but the thing's done. A month from now, there'll be an ocean between us."

"I know."

"Unless you've had a change of heart ..."

"No, Thomas, nothing's changed. I refuse to saddle you that way."

"Don't say it like that, Minnie."

"It wouldn't be fair to you."

"It wouldn't be horribly unfair."

"Thomas!"

"Well then, you'll give Mr Brouette a chance?"

"I'll certainly apologize for my behaviour."

Thomas swung Minnie's hand back and forth. "And?"

"And I suppose I can accept his invitation ... if it's still offered."

"That's my girl," murmured Thomas.

Minnie closed her valise and checked the time. Fifteen minutes, then I must be off. She scanned the boxes that Andy had delivered with the farm's lorry and selected the smallest. It held the photographs she hoped would fend off loneliness in the empty house. Most had been taken with Thomas's Leica.

Minnie spread out the photos and selected her favourite. It was a shot of herself and her Frenchman in fancy dress at the very last of the Barrow, Bates & Bates dances. It had been held on the Ides of March to benefit the village hospital. Minnie attended as Julius Caesar wearing a purple toga from which protruded a variety of cardboard knives covered in tin foil. Max accompanied her as Cleopatra outfitted with lined eyes and a cigarette-smoking asp mounted on his shoulder.

Under the treasured photo was another of Lady Mary at the same dance. "She said she'd rather attend one of our dances than any on her social calendar," confided Anna after she attended Her Ladyship the following morning. "She says the dancing's more daring, and the conversation's less stale."

Thomas discouraged rented costumes at these events because most villagers could not afford them. Her Ladyship stunned everyone when she made an entrance as a glamorous albeit handsewn Medusa. Each snake adorning her head was itself adorned with a tiny feather headdress. Minnie thought the costume was Anna's doing, but Anna refused the compliment. "She borrowed my sewing machine and did it all herself. It took her three weeks. All I did was show her how to wind the bobbin."

She's not the same woman she was when I first came to the Abbey, mused Minnie. Somewhere along the way, Lady Mary lost her horror of being embarrassed. Once or twice, Minnie even caught Her Ladyship making a joke at her own expense. Tennis, that's what did it, Minnie concluded.

Minnie rooted through the remaining photos to find the one of her and Thomas in their tennis whites. She sat on the stripped mattress and recalled the summer she learned to play. Only days before, Thomas had been delivered safely from his Paris ordeal and was wearing a cast on his hand. He invited Minnie to Regent's Park to watch the locals play tennis and learn the rules of the game. She accepted, even though she thought tennis a snooty game suited only to lords and ladies. She was surprised to find the courts occupied by ordinary Londoners no different from herself. Thomas spied a skilled couple for them to study, and Minnie was soon caught up in the excitement of the players' long rallies.

The family returned to the Abbey that summer as they always did, in time for the glorious twelfth. During their absence, the Abbey grounds had been adorned with a new grass tennis court. It had been Lady Mary's intention to cover the court with a retractable canvas roof under which she could play in the rain, but it never came to pass. Mr Talbot persuaded his wife to put the money towards a swimming pool instead.

Minnie delighted in her memory of her first time on the court. Lady Mary and Mr Talbot did not play with them that day. Rather, Her Ladyship strode confidently onto the court where Minnie and Thomas were waiting to demonstrate, for Thomas' sake, how to serve the ball one-handed.

"This is the method that was used quite successfully by a one-armed tennis player years ago. You must practice diligently, Barrow. Once you've mastered it, I'll arrange for you and Minnie to train with an instructor I've hired from Leeds. He'll work with us separately, and when he finds you ready, we'll train together. Does that satisfy you?"

"Certainly, milady," answered Minnie.

"I appreciate the privilege, milady," replied Thomas, and Minnie knew he was sincere.

Lady Mary then proceeded to explain, but not actually demonstrate, the one-armed serve. "I think it best you give it a try while I'm here to correct you, Barrow."

"I'd better." Thomas made a great show of remembering and implementing the hold and toss. He tossed the ball up once for practice and let it fall to the ground. Minnie retrieved it for him. He slowly recited the steps aloud and then executed a swift and deadly serve close to the net.

Lady Mary controlled her shock, and Minnie controlled her amusement. Thomas had been limited to a half-day's work since returning from Paris, and Minnie knew very well that he had been using the time to practice the exact same serve as it had been taught to him by the Dowager.

"Bravo!" shouted Mr Talbot, who had been watching in silence.

Lady Mary smiled tightly. "Yes, Barrow, that was quite good. Perhaps you should try again, in case that was merely luck."

"Indeed, milady, dumb luck." Barrow again recited the steps and delivered the same serve.

"No luck about it, Barrow. You're a natural!" congratulated Mr Talbot. "We have our work cut out for us, Mary."

"I look forward to it," replied Lady Mary. She stepped closer to Thomas for a final word. "Granny will have my head if anything happens to you, Barrow. I know you'll want to play your best game, but you mustn't take any risks until the cast is off and Dr Clarkson says it's all right. "

"Thank you for your concern, milady, but I'll do what I must to be rid of this thing. It's a terrible nuisance."

"Then we understand each other. I'll call Mr Smathers and see how soon he can make it up here for lessons. It seems you're ready."

"If you think that's best, milady."

"Does the dress fit, Minnie?"

"Yes, milady. I'll look the part, anyway."

"You'll do more than that if Barrow has anything to do with it, I'll wager." Lady Mary joined Mr Talbot, and Minnie could hear Mr Talbot laughing all the way to the house.

Mr Smathers drove back and forth to Downton twice a week. He was an odd-looking fellow with dark hair that he parted down the middle and two heavy, ram-rod straight eyebrows. His forehead was tall and chin narrow and what was in between held two protruding ears that gave his head the appearance of a loving cup.

Minnie was shy about returning the ball at first. She was afraid Thomas would get hurt.

"If Mr Barrow can't return the ball safely, he'll let it go," assured Mr Smathers. "I want you to hit the next ball into smathereens!" he joked.

Minnie quickly grew to love the game, but her playful style annoyed Thomas.

"How can I play against a woman who skips about the court?" Thomas demanded of Bates, who was watching them practice. Bates was sitting in the shade and amusing Timothy by taking the peel off an apple into one long strip with his penknife.

"It's a game, isn't it," Minnie countered. "Why shouldn't I skip?"

Bates continued to peel. "Perhaps you're playing the wrong game, Pooh."

Thomas's brow furrowed. "What do you think, Timothy?"

"Skip!" shouted Timothy, who demonstrated by skipping about his father. He had only recently acquired the skill himself.

"I can see I'm outnumbered," muttered Thomas as he turned to take his place on the court.

Minnie was not yet adept at landing the ball where and how she intended, but at least her serves found their way over the net. Thomas skipped his long legs to the ball and returned it as nonchalantly as though there existed no other way to play the game. The two skipped and volleyed merrily back and forth until the image of Thomas skipping down an Abbey corridor with serving tray in hand made Minnie convulse with laughter. She looked up and saw that Bates was laughing so hard he revealed his teeth, a rare thing to see. Although it was never mentioned, Minnie had come to understand that the only trait of which Bates was truly ashamed was his somewhat crooked gnashers.

Minnie was respectful when Mr Smathers was on the court, and she promised Thomas that she would not skip once they were paired against Lady Mary and Mr Talbot. That day came sooner than expected when Mr Smathers pronounced them ready to meet their betters after only two weeks of lessons. By then, Thomas was cast-free, but Dr Clarkson had advised him to play conservatively for another three weeks. Minnie knew Thomas was disappointed, but he had made a solemn promise to the Dowager to follow the doctor's recommendation, and she knew Thomas would keep his word.

Mr Smathers had been coaching Thomas and Minnie in the mornings and Lady Mary and Mr Talbot in the afternoons, so he was well-acquainted with both teams' abilities. "Mr Talbot and his wife are proficient and having been playing as a team longer than you," he commented as he accompanied the pair to the court. "They both have that killer instinct, as do you, Mr Barrow."

Minnie stopped in her tracks. "What about me, Mr Smathers?"

"Miss Childs, you have the killer instinct of a baby chick."

"Well, I never!" Minnie stomped ahead until she caught sight of Lady Mary and Mr Talbot warming up on the court. Mr Smathers hurried ahead, but Thomas held behind with Minnie.

"Minnie, you know he's only trying to inspire you to take the game seriously."

"Is that so.? Tell me, Thomas, do you think I have a killer instinct?"

"I think you have it when you want to have it, and I believe you have it now. Shall we give those two what-for, my darling?"

"Yes, let's," answered Minnie, but she knew full well that she simply was not the cutthroat kind.

The court was still a tad wet from the morning's rain. Minnie hoped Thomas would be extra careful not to slip.

"Here are our worthy opponents, Mary," greeted Mr Talbot. "Don't you two look sharp!"

"I'd say the same, Mr Talbot," replied Thomas, "if it weren't impertinent."

Mr Smathers addressed the teams before Thomas and Minnie took their side. "Kindly remember this isn't a game. This is a coaching session, and I'll stop you often to improve your play.

"I believe we all understand," replied Mr Talbot.

"We want our money's worth," added Lady Mary. Her Ladyship turned to Thomas. "I was sorry to hear that Dr Clarkson still has you reigned in, Barrow. Please know that we won't think any less of your ability if you let a ball go. We know you're no slouch."

"That's kind of you to say, milady."

Mr Smathers walked to the other side of the net with Thomas and Minnie. "Hit the ball as often as you can to Mr Talbot. Lady Mary has a tendency to monopolize the net, and I need to break her of it."

Mr Smathers asked Minnie to serve because she most needed the practice. To her surprise, Mr Talbot missed.

"Well done!" Mr Talbot shouted across the net.

Minnie could not hear what Lady Mary said to Mr Talbot, but Mr Smathers shook his head and mumbled, "Crikey," under his breath.

Minnie delivered a strong second serve and realized that her control was improving. This time Mr Talbot returned the ball and the fun began. Thomas returned what he could but allowed Minnie to do the running about. She slid a couple of times on the wet grass but managed to keep herself upright. They both returned the ball to Mr Talbot every time, and as Mr Smathers predicted, Lady Mary played Mr Talbot's game for him. Thomas twice hit the ball long, forcing Her Ladyship to back into her husband. Then he hit the ball short, and Her Ladyship rushed the net, losing her footing and sliding under the net clear to the other side.

Minnie gasped, but Thomas approached his supine employer calmly.

"I beg your pardon, milady, but the rules dictate that you must play on your own side of the net."

Mr Talbot laughed heartily. "That's one on you, Mary."

"Are you going to help me up?" demanded Lady Mary.

"I don't believe I should, milady," replied Thomas. "I might fall, and Lady Grantham would have your head."

Minnie, who believed her poker face to be every bit as good as Thomas's, burst out laughing.

Lady Mary sat up. "Henry, help me!"

"No, milady," objected Mr Smathers. "You've made it clear to Mr Talbot that you can play this game without him."

"You've all gone mad!" Lady Mary looked about. Minnie and Mr Talbot were still in stitches, Mr Smathers stood resolute with his hands on his hips, and Thomas was the picture of innocence. It was at that moment that something quite unexpected happened. Lady Mary began to laugh. She laughed long and hard until she had to dab her eyes with the back of her hand. "That is one on me, isn't it?" She pushed herself onto her feet and straightened her dress. "Shall we continue?"

Thomas stepped closer. "Milady, you are in one piece, aren't you?"

"I don't believe I shall ever be in one piece again," answered Her Ladyship, "but I'm not injured if that's what you mean."

Minnie checked the time on her wristlet. Gracious, I'm late! She prided herself on her punctuality and didn't want to spoil her record. I can make it if I run.

Minnie arrived at the Abbey huffing and puffing, only to be reminded that the family was having luncheon with the Mertons' that afternoon. "I must get my head out of the clouds," she whispered to Max.

"No you mustn't," he whispered back. "Not until after the honeymoon!"

Minnie decided to take advantage of the change in the day's schedule by giving the dragons and door brass a good polishing. First, she washed the mud and dirt off the dragons. Then she dumped the dirty water and returned with a tin of Brasso and a pile of buffing cloths. As she worked in the Brasso with small, rhythmic circles, she wondered how many brass fittings the RMS Olympic had and how large a staff was required to keep the vessel shipshape. She wondered what sort of service a Tourist Third passenger received and if Thomas and the Bateses had suffered seasickness. She wondered if the ship might dock in New York that very day.

Minnie switched to a clean cloth and buffed. The dragon reminded her of the dragon pyjamas she had folded when she helped Thomas finish the last of his packing. She remembered the merriment and off-key singing on the hired bus to Sheffield and the farewell party Novello had arranged at the Adelphi. She remembered dragging Thomas from the public house to Novello's room where everyone had tossed their coats.

"What is it, Minnie? I can't bear a private goodbye."

"Not a goodbye, Thomas. A bit of news, that's all."

"Gossip? Well then, that's different!" Minnie watched Thomas bound up the stairs, two-at-a-time. She could see he was a bit giddy from the night's excitement.

When they reached Novello's room, Thomas was surprised to find Max waiting for them. "A team effort. This gossip must be terrific!"

Max smiled. "I think it is."

Minnie did not know how to begin. "It was difficult to decide whether you'd take it better now or later in a letter."

Thomas did not catch the change in Minnie's tone. "I'll take it exactly the same," he answered cheerfully.

Max interrupted. "Don't blow this out of all proportion, Minnie. It's good news, Thomas, and you're the first to hear. I've asked Minnie to marry me, and she's made me happier than I ever thought I could be."

Minnie watched as Thomas's proud chest deflated. He took a couple of steps back, as though he were standing too close to a hot oven. "So you've done it. I've been so wrapped up in my plans ... I didn't see what was happening."

Max slipped his arm about Minnie's shoulders. "I hope you and I will still be friends, Thomas."

"Why wouldn't we still be friends?" Thomas took in a sharp breath. "Minnie, you didn't ..."

"Please understand, Thomas, I had to tell him. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. I can't begin with a secret."

Thomas turned to Max. "And it doesn't bother you?"

"Thomas, I'm not a philanderer, but I haven't been a celibate either. I can't hold Minnie to a higher standard than I hold myself. The past doesn't matter."

"The past doesn't matter," repeated Thomas slowly. "I don't matter."

Minnie felt dreadful. "Thomas, you know that's not what he means!"

Max remained calm. "You and Minnie love each other as dear friends. Minnie and I love each other the way a husband and wife must, if they're to be happy."

Thomas pulled himself erect and extended his hand to Max. "Well then, the better man won."

Max accepted his hand. "Not the better man, Thomas. Never the better man. The right man."

Thomas smiled for the first time since hearing the news. "That's right, Max. The right man. The right man for Minnie."

Minnie took Thomas's arm and walked with him to the stairs. "We're all embarking on new adventures. We're happy for you. Can you be happy for us?"

"I am happy for you, Minnie. I can be happy and jealous at the same time." Thomas stopped at the head of the stairs. "May I have the honour of announcing your engagement?"

Max glanced at Minnie. "That's kind of you, Thomas, but please don't feel that you must."

"Nonsense, Max. I brought you two together. It's my right."

Minnie moved the stool to the second dragon and picked up a fresh cloth. She looked about to see if anyone was watching and closed her eyes. "Please, God, bring Thomas happiness in his new life."