A/N: Sorry for such a long stretch between chapters. Unfortunately, life has a habit of getting in the way. :( Since I've been off for Christmas and New Year, I decided to put together the next chapter on the christening in 3x07. Another slight change in plans is that not only do Sybil and Matthew live in this universe, but I've also decided to reverse course on this fic and have Sir Anthony and Edith married in 3x03. I will be going back soon to fix the chapters post 3x04 to align with this change. Again, I will make no promises on when I will be posting next, but reviews most certainly help. :) Same universe as The Journey to Happiness, With Love From Dublin, Moving Forward, Time at the Cottage and Christmases Past, Present and Future.

Thank you to those who reviewed the previous chapter. Reviews make me very happy. :)

Thanks to Tripp3235 for a quick beta of the chapter.

Disclaimer: Not mine. All Downton Abbey characters belong to Julian Fellowes and ITV. I'm just playing with them.

Nora's Christening

He stepped on a train that morning bound for Yorkshire in his best suit. While it moved along the tracks leading north, he contemplated his journey ahead. He would likely arrive in time for dinner, attend his niece's christening the next day as her godfather and then take the southbound train home Sunday afternoon so that the garage could open on Monday. Back home, a christening would have included the entire family, but with his brother living a train ride away, he couldn't afford to bring his wife or the children. Even if he could have afforded it, they would not have had the clothing suitable to visit his brother's in-laws for the weekend, perhaps it was for the best that he didn't have the money.

Why the hell did Tommy decide to marry into the English aristocracy? The whole family knew that Tommy had reached for the stars since he was young, but their mother had always encouraged him and his fool-brained ideas. So now here he was riding a train north to Yorkshire because his mother made sure to remind him in her last letter. He was going to hear an earful from his wife or his mother. Though he lived with his wife, he dare not disobey his mother even as she lived a sea away in Dublin. Pulling out Tommy's letter with the directions from his jacket pocket, and he wondered whether to go in the front door or the servants door. He better not offend the wrong persons.

It was a sunny morning after the buckets of rain in the few days prior, so the brothers-in-law were out on the lawn of the Abbey practicing cricket. Meanwhile their wives were sitting a good distance away enjoying a picnic with Nora, so that they could watch the men without fearing a wild ball.

After Lord Grantham had started talking about the house versus the village game in a month's time and Sybil had been encouraging him to take part, Tom had asked Matthew to teach him the rudimentary rules of cricket so that he wouldn't make a fool of himself. Matthew had suggested that Tom try batting the ball on the temporary practice pitch on the grounds.

Since Tom had never played the game even in the years he was the chauffeur before the war stopped all sorts of sports around the world, he knew next to nothing about the game. He knew it involved a bat and a ball and a wicket, but that was about it. So here he was trying to hold the bat so that he was "protecting" the wicket while Matthew took aim.

"So your brother ought to arrive by the dinner gong?" asked Matthew, focusing on the wicket behind Tom.

"He's taking the mid-morning train from Liverpool." Tom squinted into the sun.

Matthew took the opportunity to deliver the ball to Tom, which caught him by surprise and it hit the wicket despite Tom's wild attempts at batting.

"Come now," said Matthew, giving Tom a look. "You're not paying attention!"

"I was paying attention," said Tom, exasperated. "I've never watched a full game before. How do you think I'd do?"

"I don't know," said Matthew, picking up another ball to bowl. "Like you're trying to defend the wicket?" Seeing the venomous look on Tom's face, he added, "Stand such that you're on one side of the it and hold the bat so that it's parallel to it, but make sure that your leg is not before the wicket or you could be called out. When the ball is bowled at it, try to keep the ball from hitting the wicket because if any part of the it falls, then you're out."

"This is complicated," Tom complained, making a face.

"No more complicated than your average motor engine," said Matthew with a smirk. "I'd dare say that most cricketers would believe it's a great deal less complicated."

Not rising to the bait, Tom grumbled, "Fine."

"Let's try this again," said Matthew, smiling at his brother-in-law. "Elbows up." Matthew bowled the ball to Tom, who did manage to keep the ball from hitting the wicket this time. "See, that wasn't so hard."

"Bowl another one," Tom said with determination.

Mary and Sybil were sitting on a picnic blanket under the shade of the tree to keep Nora from getting too much sunlight. Sybil had finally managed to rock Nora to sleep ten minutes earlier after nursing her under a devised blanket. Mary was nibbling at the first grapes of the season while watching the men in an obviously heated discussion. The year before, she never figured that she would see Tom as one of the family, but then a year before, she never thought that she would be married to Matthew.

"Has a date for the surgery been set?" asked Sybil after putting Nora in the moses basket. Mary had only recently confided in her youngest sister that the specialist in London had discovered uterine polyps that required removal and sworn her to secrecy. She had been experiencing abnormal bleeding since being married and at her mother's urging, Mary had gone to see Dr. Clarkson, who had suggested the specialist.

"It won't be until just before the cricket match," said Mary, a little jealous that her youngest sister already had a child. "I'll have to be in London overnight."

"Will Mama accompany you?" asked Sybil, glancing at her sister while picking up a slice of cheese.

"No, I think it best if I were to go alone," said Mary. "Less explanations would be required."

"Won't you require help after the surgery?" asked Sybil, concerned.

"Dr. Ryder's clinic has recommended a nurse who will watch over me the night after the surgery," said Mary.

"I do wish that I could come to look after you," said Sybil, wistfully. "But I'm not certain that Nora's cries would make it terribly restful."

"I'll be fine, darling," said Mary. Looking for a change in subject, she continued, "You have your family and your move to think of. That reminds me, when is the move? I know you've been feeling confined at Downton."

"Well, with that generous bonus that Matthew is bestowing on Tom at the start of September," said Sybil with a wide smile. "We think that we'll be able to send for our furniture soon there after. I expect that we ought to be able to move in just before the cricket match."

"That's wonderful," said Mary, smiling politely. She couldn't imagine living in a cottage no matter how large it was.

"I just hope that I can set up the household in time," said Sybil.

"Is there much to set up?" asked Mary, curious.

"Why yes," said Sybil. "While it wouldn't be as much to do as when we were getting married in Dublin, I still have to organize the deliveries and the pick ups. I couldn't possibly send our laundry to Downton for example."

"Why ever not?" asked Mary. "After all, your laundry is being done downstairs now."

Sybil looked at her sister and smiled. "Because it wouldn't feel like a home of our own if everything was provided by Downton. I'm certain that Mama will be sending food to us on occasion. but I enjoy shopping for my own things. Choosing a cut of meat is a skill and skills only get better if you practice." Seeing Mary's look of masked disdain on the subject of food shopping, Sybil added, "Besides in our own home, Mama couldn't possibly object to the visitors we choose to host."

"Aunt Rosamund always said that you could be happy in a cottage," said Mary.

"And I will be." Sybil reached for Mary's hand and squeezed it.

When the four adults and Nora returned after a picnic luncheon, Sybil hurried upstairs to change Nora and Lord Grantham who just happened to come out of the library asked, "So any improvements?"

Matthew had been keeping him apprised of Tom's progress in the last few weeks. "He protected the wicket more often than not today and even managed to bat one into the outfield. We've two weeks yet."

"Good, good," said Lord Grantham. "I was thinking of gathering the team for a practice game next Friday evening." Turning to look at Tom, he asked, "Think you'll be ready?"

Tom shrugged. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Seeing Mary wait for Matthew at the bottom of the stairs, Lord Grantham waved them off in dismissal and Tom ran up to check on Sybil and Nora while Matthew and Mary made their way slowly up all the while speaking in low voices.

When Tom arrived in the nursery, Sybil was just settling in the rocking chair to feed Nora. Once the baby latched, Sybil had a smile for Tom. "There was a letter and a small package from Sarah in the morning post. It's on the desk on our room. Darling, would you mind getting it and read it to me?"

"Of course not." Tom smiled and eagerly went about his task.

After sitting down in a chair near Sybil and Nora, Tom opened the letter.

Langford Clinic
Dublin, Ireland
Monday, August 10, 1920

Dear Sybil and Tom,

I hope that this letter finds you and Nora well. Another exhausting
day at the clinic, I think we may have had over seventy patients
today plus a birth. Dr. Healy started last week and he was surprised
by the number of patients we have in a day, but he's settling in. I
wish that you were still working here Sybil. I've missed our conver-
sations.

Remember the rally we spoke of at Christmas? We were finally able
to pull it off yesterday. The weather was fair and we were one hun-
dred strong. The planning committee was concerned about the con-
tinued fighting in the western counties, but as Dublin had become
reasonably peaceful again since June, we thought it was an opport-
unity we couldn't miss. Kathleen joined us despite Mrs. Branson's
objections. I'm certain that you'll hear more of it from her.

As I mentioned in my last letter, Lochlan is coming home in Sep-
tember and we'll be married mid-month. So I've prepared the flat
above the clinic and moved in late July to save on boarding fees. Mrs.
O'Shea was shocked to hear that an unmarried woman would live
on her own when I gave my notice, but I wanted to prepare for
married life where there will be more domestic duties than just
keeping one's room tidy. So far I'm enjoying it, but I foresee a need
to hire a day maid to cook and keep the house running especially
with the long hours when there's a birth. Otherwise, I suspect that
we shall starve in a pigsty as my skills as a cook are rather lacking
and Lochlan will be busy, too, working to help implement the
bureaucracy for the Free State.

I will close to say that I wish that I could attend Nora's Christening
as her godmother, but as I said on the telephone when we spoke
that I am honoured you have chosen me and am happy to have
whoever you chose to be my proxy. Please find enclosed a sponsor
certificate from my local parish and a small cross for Nora. I look
forward to hearing all about the christening.

Your friend,
Sarah Byrne

Tom then opened the small package containing a small delicate cross necklace for Nora. Bringing it closer for Sybil to see, he tried to keep it as far away from the baby as possible since she was distracted by the reflected sunlight.

"It's beautiful," said Sybil, shifting Nora to the other breast. "I can't believe that Sarah is preparing for her own wedding and was thoughtful enough to find and send a gift for Nora as well. She is remarkable."

"Yes, it was very thoughtful of her," said Tom admiring the delicate but intricate chain that went with the cross before returning it to its box. "I'm sure that Nora will treasure it when she's older."

"We must remember to send her a wedding gift," said Sybil. "When does the estate pay your first wage?"

"Not until the start of next month," said Tom. "But if you were to choose it ahead of time, then it should have plenty of time to reach her by mid-month." Folding the letter and placing it on the table, Tom took a sleeping Nora from Sybil and placed her in the bassinet while Sybil refastened her clothes.

Seeing Sybil yawn, Tom asked while he was swaddling his daughter, "Would you like to take a nap? I can watch Nora. With Kieran coming for dinner, it'll likely be late."

Sybil walked over to Tom and caressed his arm. "Perhaps you would like to nap with me?"

Turning to look at Sybil, Tom asked, "I thought that Dr. Clarkson said to wait a few more weeks yet?"

"He did," said Sybil wistfully. "But that doesn't mean that we couldn't … do other things." There was now a twinkle in her eye and Tom followed her into their bedroom after Nora was tucked in.

Meanwhile in a room down the hall, a different couple were in bed in the afterglow. Matthew laid his head on Mary's shoulder and Mary played with his hair absentmindedly.

"I do love you," said Matthew.

"I know, darling," Mary said absentmindedly. Her thoughts were on her day operation in a few weeks time. She knew that he was desperate to conceive and had been more amorous as a result. Dr. Ryder had said that she would need to abstain for a few weeks after the operation and she still didn't have a plan on putting her husband off.

After a few moments of silence, Matthew started, "I was thinking that perhaps I ought to see a specialist about …"

"If that's what you want, but it may not be you―" Mary was about to tell him. It was on the tip of her tongue but he cut her off.

"Of course it is," said Matthew, self-loathing obvious in his tone. He then moved back to his side of the bed. "With the war injury, who else could it be?"

It's me! Her mind screamed but the words wouldn't leave her mouth. Changing the subject, Mary rolled to look at him. "Thank you for convincing Papa to authorize the bonus for Tom. Sybil mentioned that they could now afford to send for their furniture and move to the cottage by mid-September."

"It's well-deserved," said Matthew, cheered by the discussion. "He has a good grasp of the land and economic theory, can be quite persuasive and is a shrewd negotiator, plus he works at least twice as hard as I do. Downton is very lucky to have him." Turning to look at the clock, he added, "That reminds me, I best dress. I promised Tom I'd speak to Robert about reopening the seed selling operation next spring along with a bulk ship plan for the fall in exchange for playing in the cricket tournament."

"If he's so persuasive, shouldn't he be talking to Papa?" asked Mary.

"He says that I need to negotiate this one in exchange for practicing daily," said Matthew when he stood up from the bed.

Mary chuckled. "He is a shrewd negotiator. Sybil told me this morning that Tom had promised her to play for the house team and practice with you."

On hearing that Matthew muttered under his breath while he dressed, "That little bugger. Let's see if he gets another bonus any time soon."

"I'll take a short nap, if you don't mind," said Mary, rolling over to her side of the bed. "We're expecting Mr. Branson and I'd like my wits about me."

"I'll see you at tea then, darling," said Matthew after he dressed. He walked over to her side of the bed and kissed her before leaving the room.

When Matthew walked into the smaller library after tea, Tom was going over some documents in front of him. "Well, Robert has agreed to reopening the seed exchange in the spring provided that we can persuade sixty percent of the tenants to agree to purchase seed and to do a bulk ship next fall provided seventy percent agree."

"The bulk ship shouldn't be difficult," said Tom, looking up at Matthew from the desk. "It will cost them twenty percent less. The seed exchange might be a different story, so that means we'll need research and hard figures to back us up."

At this juncture, Sybil poked her head into the library. "Sorry to interrupt." Sybil looked at both men with a smile, who turned to look at her. Looking at Tom, she added, "Alfred came looking for you and found me instead. Kieran's arrived and he's in the Servants Hall."

Tom's eyes bugged out at the information and he sighed. Under his breath, he said, "God in heaven." Rising from his chair, he added, "I best go. Who knows what mischief my brother's gotten himself into."

Matthew nodded and the Bransons quickly exited the room.

When Sybil and Tom came down the stairs leading to the Servants Hall, they could hear laughter emanating from below. They could see Mrs. Hughes and Carson entering to investigate just as the arch leading in became visible.

Soon they reached the Hall and Tom nodded to his brother before speaking up, "Kieran. What are you doing down here? Come upstairs."

Kieran returned his brother's greeting with a nod of his own. "I don't fancy it. I'd rather stay put and have my dinner down here. Come join me Tommy and eat down here. They seem a nice lot." Seeing his brother's face change, he asked, "What's the matter? You too grand for them now?"

Sybil could sense that with this last sentence Tom would likely say something that he would later regret. Placing her hand on her husband's arm to get his attention, she then gave him a look to let him know she wanted to give it a try. Seeing the acquiescence in his downcast eyes, she put on her charm and smiled at her brother-in-law. "But, Kieran, my family is so looking forward to meeting you. I've told them ever so much about your delightful twins. And if you wish, once you've settled in your room, you can come meet Nora before dinner. She ought to be finished her nap by then."

Kieran couldn't help but smile at his sister-in-law, who had charmed the whole family when she arrived in Dublin last year and she been such help when Aileen had the twins. His wife had returned to her mother's in Dublin during her difficult confinement early last fall and Sybil took the time daily to look in on her and in the end it was Dr. Byrne, Sybil's doctor friend who has saved Aileen's life. So while he could easily deny his brother, he could never deny his brother's wife. Getting up from his chair, he smiled. "Very well, Sybil. Lead the way. I'd like to set my eyes on my newest niece when she's ready."

Tom reached for her hand discreetly and squeezed it in thanks. Sybil flashed him a quick smile in return.

Waiting for Kieran to escort her, she asked, "How was Liverpool this morning when you left?

"Foggy, but bearable," said Kieran while he walked to her. He even took the chance to pat Moseley on the shoulder.

Tom started to head upstairs in front of his brother and his wife.

Sybil took Kieran's proffered arm when he reached her. "Anything to bring down this heat would be lovely. How are Aileen, Maeve and the twins?"

"They were fine when I left." Kieran responded to his charming sister-in-law.

"I'm very happy to hear that." Sybil smiled at him. "I was so sorry to hear that they were unable to come with you to the christening."

"The children are all still too young for such a trip." Kieran couldn't help but smile.

"Then perhaps when we're next in the area that we'll have to stop by in Liverpool to see everyone." Sybil patted his arm with her free hand.

"You're always welcome." Kieran felt a little more at ease than he thought possible when he walked to the upstairs. Perhaps the two days in Yorkshire won't be nearly as difficult as he had imagined.

After Kieran's first meeting with his niece, it was time to gather in the drawing room. Sir Anthony and Edith were in attendance now that they had returned from their honeymoon in Italy. Their first dinner at Downton since they married in late June.

Before the family could ask many questions, Carson led them into the dining room where Lady Grantham was kind enough to seat Kieran between Sybil and herself. Dinner was less awkward than Kieran had expected when he noticed that Sybil subtly took her time picking up the different utensils to help him, and Sir Anthony and Edith's honeymoon was the topic of conversation which Sybil was kind enough to explain as needed.

It wasn't until the dessert course that Lord Grantham started asking questions of his Irish guest. "And what exactly does this business consist of?"

"Automobile refurbishment," said Kieran with a smile.

"My brother means car repairs," Tom explained quickly.

Sybil glared at Tom, who had the good graces to blush at his faux pas.

"I see and you would live nearby?" Lord Grantham continued his line of questioning.

"We've rooms over the garage," Kieran went on. "There's a bit of a park not too far away."

Both the Dowager Countess and Lady Grantham looked in askance of the description.

Trying to ease the tension, Sybil quickly added, "Tom and I visited Kieran and his family after Mary and Matthew's wedding in the spring and there are six to seven rooms in their home and the park that Kieran is referring to is Birkenhead Park."

"Isn't that the first civically funded park in England?" asked Matthew, who surprised even himself with this small bit of esoteric information. When he saw looks from around the table, he added, "I was involved in a conveyance dispute with Birkenhead Park when I was working in Manchester."

"I believe it is," said Sir Anthony, after a moment of thought. "It was designed in 1847 by Joseph Paxton with the aim of creating a 'park for the people.' If I recall correctly, many features of Central Park in New York are taken from Birkenhead Park."

"Is it now?" Lady Grantham smiled. "So it must be very large."

"It is quite large, my lady," said Kieran. "My wife often takes the children there to feed the ducks and you can walk about for hours without having to retrace your steps. There's also a cricket pitch and ponds for fishing as well."

"How interesting!" The Dowager quipped. "This reminds me of an evening rather like this. We were traveling back from Scotland to London, when the train was suddenly engulfed by a blizzard. We spent a night in a tradesman's hotel in Middlesbrough."

After a short pregnant pause, Mary changed the subject. "So who's coming to the christening?"

"All of us I would expect," said Lady Grantham in relief.

"Granny?" asked Sybil.

"If you and Branso—Tom want me to?" The Dowager looked over at Tom.

"We would be honoured," said Tom tightly.

"Robert, are you coming?" asked Matthew.

When Robert didn't respond immediately, Sybil asked, "Papa?"

"I'm sure that Tom doesn't want me there," said Lord Grantham, looking at his youngest daughter. "And I wouldn't know what to do. All that crossing and bobbing up and down. I went to a Mass once in Rome and it was more like a gymnastic display." Lord Grantham chuckled at the memory and surprisingly Kieran laughed with him.

"I do want you to be there," said Tom with conviction. "I believe that you're a part of Nora's family. A very important part. As I understand it, Lady Grantham has very kindly hired a photographer for the occasion. When Nora's older, will you be the one to explain to her why you chose not to be in the photographs?"

Lord Grantham's face fell at the thought of trying to explain to a five year old child why he chose not to be a part of her life.

"Will you argue with that?" asked Lady Grantham.

Lord Grantham played with his dessert before answering. "Not if you think it's so important."

The next morning dawned bright and early and Sybil had a tray brought up so that she could tend to Nora directly before the drive to St. Wilfred's in Ripon. Exiting their room, Tom saw Matthew exit his wife's room.

Seeing Tom approach him, Matthew asked, "Is Nora ready for her christening?"

Tom smiled at him. "She's her usual smiling self, but I'm not as sure about Sybil." Seeing Matthew's questioning look, he added, "She's been running around all morning fussing about this or that. She asked Edith to be Sarah's proxy last night and now she's worried that Edith will drop the baby. Nothing I say will reassure her."

"I'm certain that Edith will not drop Nora," Matthew chuckled and clapped his friend on the back.

Tom sighed while they walk down the stairs. "I know that, but I'm not sure Sybil does. As far as I'm aware, she wasn't this nervous for our wedding."

"The day will be over soon enough." Matthew smiled to reassure his brother-in-law. "Tomorrow will be a whole new day and things will be back to normal."

"I certainly hope so," said Tom, pausing before entering the breakfast room. "Because I'm not certain I can take another day like this."

The Mass was well attended since it was a regular Sunday Mass in Latin with the celebration of baptism not only for Nora but for several other local babies as well. Since Tom had registered Nora for baptism first, the sacrament was bestowed on her first.

The Bransons, Kieran, Edith in proxy for Sarah Byrne and Mary and Matthew were all called forth to the baptismal font and Nora was first exorcized with two anointing of holy oils while Sybil held her. Then she was passed to Edith, who was standing next to Kieran, where salt was placed on her tongue symbolizing both wisdom and preservation from sin. Nora didn't mind the anointing but salt on the tongue was a completely different matter and she wailed heartily.

Once Edith was able to calm her niece down again, all were asked if they rejected Satan to which all answered in the affirmative. Mary and Matthew both stood by and placed their hands on the christening gown while Father Dominic poured holy waters over the child's head three times. Nora surprised them all by only whimpering each time the water was poured. Once Nora received the sacrament of baptism, Edith returned her to Sybil and the participants returned to their seats to await the remainder of the Mass.

During photographs afterward was the first time that Kieran was able to speak to Tom alone while various members posed with the baby. "I understand from conversations last night in the drawing room that you'll be working with your brother-in-law here for the time being."

"Yes," said Tom while he kept an eye on who was holding Nora at the moment. "Matthew needs a friendly face to help with modernizing the estate."

"I'm sure he does," said Kieran. "But what do you know about farming? Other than the summers you spent at Grandda's in Cork, you've never set foot on a working farm."

"Well, that's six summers more than Matthew has," said Tom, glancing at his brother. "I've also been reading more about new farming methods, plus I'm gaining experience pouring over accounting books and learning about business expenses and the like."

"Whatever happened to the socialist brother I used to know?" asked Kieran. "Who never cared about managing a business or making profits?"

"We have to start building a nest egg again now that we have Nora to look after as well," said Tom with a glance at his brother. "We had started when we first moved to Dublin and I was working for The Dublin Times but then the British seized the paper's assets and we were living hand to mouth until Drungore Castle. Matthew is offering us a cottage of our own on the estate, rent free while I work with him. Especially since I'm learning new skills, it's something that's difficult to pass up with a new baby. It's not something I want to do forever, but it's honest work."

Kieran nodded. He understood the desire to save up for the future. It had taken him over six years in Liverpool to save up enough to buy the business and send for Aileen. "You know there'll always be a place for you at the garage in Liverpool. With seven rooms, we've plenty of space for your growing family."

"I know that Kieran," said Tom. "I appreciate the offer, but Sybil's looking forward to having a place of her own again and if we went to Liverpool, it would be a few years yet before that happens. I can't do that to Sybil when there's a chance of a place of our own next month."

"I understand," said Kieran, who saw his brother in a new light. "Just don't let your father-in-law bully you into something you don't want to do."

Tom nodded and started walking to the photographer who was motioning everyone for a group picture.

After a luncheon to celebrate while the guest of honour slept in her moses basket by the buffet, it was time for Kieran to catch the train back to Liverpool. Once the local guests left for home, Tom brought the old Renault out to take his brother to the railway station and then to take Sybil and Nora for a drive afterward, since the weather was holding.

Lord Grantham had said his goodbyes after luncheon. So, it was only Lady Grantham, Mary and Matthew who were on the front steps to bid farewell to their visitor.

"I understand from Mary that you've gone hunting in the past," said Matthew. "If you're interested, you're most welcome to join us in the fall when we start up a hunting party."

"Thank you," said Kieran, taking the hand that Matthew offered. "That's very kind, but I don't own a gun."

"Don't let that make you a stranger," said Matthew with a smile. "We've plenty to share."

Kieran nodded and move to Mary next.

"Have a safe journey," said Mary, holding out her hand.

"Thank you, Lady Mary." Kieran shook her hand as well.

Lady Grantham smiled at the brother of her son-in-law. "Know that you're always welcome at Downton. I'm certain that Nora will want to get to know her godfather when she's a little older."

"Thank you, Lady Grantham, for your generous hospitality," Kieran said. "Good-bye." With a nod, he walked to the car and got up in front with his brother. Sybil and Nora had already been settled by Tom while Kieran said his goodbyes.

While Tom parked the car and they waited for the train, Sybil let Kieran hold his goddaughter once more. When Nora settled in his arms, Kieran said, "I hope that you'll come to visit soon. Now that you're well enough, Sybil, I know that Aileen will want to see you and the baby."

"We'll come some time in the early autumn, after we're settled in the cottage," said Sybil with a smile. "I want to see Maeve and the twins again and I want Nora to know them."

"I'm sure that the children will want to meet Nora as well," said Kieran, looking at the warm bundle in his arms.

"How is Aileen faring with the impending arrival of the next little one?" asked Sybil. She had gotten to know her prickly sister-in-law during her confinement with the twins in Dublin. While she had been jealous of Sybil at first, after Dr. Byrne saved her life, Aileen had nothing but good things to say about her new sister-in-law.

"As well as may be," said Kieran with an eyeroll. "We're at least certain that it's only one this time. Thank you for telling her to go to a clinic to have someone listen with a stethoscope. She was getting hysterical that it would be twins again and she wouldn't have listened if anyone else had told her."

"I'm happy to help." Sybil smiled and a train whistle could be heard in the distance signalling the arrival of the train.

Tom arrived soon afterward and Kieran handed Nora back to Sybil. "Thank you for taking the time to come down for the christening." He held out his hand to his brother. "I know that you had to close the garage on Saturday to make this work. We appreciate the sacrifice."

"Wouldn't have missed it," said Kieran, taking Tom's hand and pulling him into a hug. "Sybil said that you'd consider coming to Liverpool for a visit once you're settled in the cottage. I'll ask Aileen to write to Sybil to arrange a date."

"Sounds mighty fine, Kieran." Tom patted his brother's back just as the trained pulled into the station. "I'm sure that we can work something out."

After Kieran boarded the third class carriage, Sybil called out, "Have a safe journey!"

Kieran nodded in return just before the train pulled out of the station.

Over a game of billiards later that evening, Matthew mentioned to Tom in between games. "I think your brother is a fine fellow for putting up with a visit to Downton. I know that Robert and Violet weren't the most welcoming in the beginning."

"I think my mother put him up to it," said Tom. "She said on the last telephone call that she had assurances that he would come. She wouldn't say that if she wasn't sure he would attend."

"Mary and I are looking forward to the day when we will finally have the chance to welcome our own little one and have a christening." Matthew sighed. "I do wonder if the issue is with my war injury."

"You've not been married for more than four months." Tom shrugged and rearranged the balls into a triangle. "I'd not worry yet."

"This from a man who has a child just over a year after you married." Matthew gave Tom a look.

"What?" asked Tom, feigning confusion.

"You're probably nonchalant because you don't have to sire an heir," said Matthew.

At Matthew's continued incredulous look, Tom grew serious. "Children come when they come. Unless you're trying to prevent it, you have no control over if and when it happens. Just keeping doing what you've been doing."

"What if my war injury is the cause?" asked Matthew in a more quiet tone.

"If it is, is there anything you can do?" asked Tom.

"There are doctors in London, who can determine if I'm the issue." Matthew blushed at what he was saying. "Depending on the issue some can be fixed with surgery."

"Have you seen any of them?" asked Tom.

"No, not yet," said Matthew sheepishly.

"Why not?" Tom looked pointedly at his brother-in-law.

"Because in my correspondence with a Dr. Ryder, they will require me to provide a fresh sample," said Matthew even more quietly. "I'm not certain that I can in an office."

It took a few moments before Tom comprehended what Matthew meant. "Why do they require a fresh sample?"

"Something about motility and count being better in a fresh sample." Matthew was now beet red with embarrassment in speaking about such things in detail.

Blushing while he spoke, Tom asked, "Did you ask the doctor how the office would help with obtaining a sample?"

"No, but he suggested a consult as the next step," said Matthew, intently focused on chalking his cue.

"Then go for the consult," said Tom. "Who knows, maybe he has one of the copies of The Perfumed Garden?"

Matthew rolled his eyes at this suggestion. "What if they discover that the issue is my war injury and there's nothing that can fix it?" asked Matthew, looking stricken at the thought.

"One step at a time, my friend." Tom reached out and clapped Matthew in the back. "I'd go check if it's your issue first. Start with the consult and go from there."

"I suppose you're right," said Matthew with a sigh.

"Let's start the next game then," said Tom, handing Matthew the cue ball. "It's your break."

A/N2: Thanks for reading! What did you think? Sorry there wasn't as many Tom/Matthew interactions this time since the subject was Nora's christening and I had to rewrite Sybil into a number of scenes. I think I got the baptism right. I couldn't find a baptismal liturgy from pre-Vatican II and had to piece it together from various sources.

My beta thought it would be funny if Carson could overhear the last scene between Tom and Matthew, but I couldn't figure out how to work that in naturally. However, I'm sure that Carson's face would have been priceless if he overheard that conversation. :D

Next up will be the move to the cottage, the visits to Dr. Ryder and the Cricket Match in 3x08.

As always, please feel free to point out any typos and grammatical errors such as mixed up verb tenses (a personal weakness). Sometimes no matter how hard you or your beta looks, these things get missed. Also, please feel free to point out cultural misnomers or anachronisms, I live in Canada and I know that our terms are often different than those in the UK and Ireland. As always, I'd love to hear what you think good or bad, so please do review. :)