Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. I am back with another chapter, this one is the longest chapter I had ever written, it's a little over 10,000 words.
I had to admit I had a power outage since there was a freak storm from where I am living and didn't power for three days. I wasn't sure if I was going to have power but once it was back on, I went on to edit this chapter as quickly as I could.
NOTE- I had added a song from Downton Abbey for the wedding day. The Pic board down below is what I had envision for the wedding day. I had made it and I would appreciate it if no one claims it for themselves or take credit.
Without taking more of your time, enjoy reading Episode 9 - Celebrations.
4 October 1919. Wedding preparations were all set. Emma and James were to be married today in St. Michael and All Angels Church. In the previous months, Sybil and Tom were married in Dublin, with Emma and her sisters and James attended the wedding, it was a small and private wedding, even Emma got the chance to meet his family.
Mr. Bates was accused to murdering his wife and he was sitting in prison, awaiting trial. Emma's heart went out to the Bates couple. Anna was distraught that her husband was awaiting his trial, Emma could see that she was on the verge of breaking down. It was rather a frightening experience but Emma firmly believed that Mr. Bates was innocent and he didn't have a bad bone in body to commit such an unforgiving act.
James was currently staying with Mrs. Crawley and Matthew since the day before the wedding. The last time Emma had seen him was yesterday's afternoon where they spent their last outing going to the local theatre.
Emma was fidgeting a little when she realised it was finally happening and Anna calmed her down a little when Emma started to pace around her room. The poor woman didn't want to talk about her husband and Emma respected her decision. Emma glanced at the window and saw the autumn leaves had started to trickle down on the grounds, it was clearly a bright sunny day, and one of the last sunny days of the year before winter emerged and Emma was ecstatic that at last, she can marry the man she loved for seven years.
Three months ago; they had announced their engagement to all of their friends attended the party hosted by Cora. Sir Richard even published a small article announcing the wedding. Emma even met James's colleagues and school friends. Emma envied that James went to a public school whilst she was stuck with her governess in four walls of her house, but that didn't matter at all. She hoped to have a child soon and wanted nothing more than to be happily married and bear lots of children. She couldn't wait to hear her baby's laughter and see them grow.
But today, she had reached a new chapter of her life.
Although, Branson, Sybil and Emma's maternal grandmother couldn't attend the wedding, she had received wedding gifts from them and wrote a note to thank them. Emma wasn't close with her maternal grandmother, who was an American socialist named Martha Levinson, due to distance. She enjoyed her life living in America with her son that Emma never met.
'Emma, are you up yet?' Cora asked as she knocked on the door.
'I am decent, you may come in.' Emma said as Anna had finished her makeup.
The door opened to reveal Cora, Mary and Edith, they were already dressed in pale lilac dresses.
'How are you feeling?' Edith asked her, smiling a little and clasping her hands together.
Emma beamed widely and said, 'I don't have the words to describe how I feel.'
Everyone chuckled.
'Are you ready?' Mary asked Emma.
Emma nodded, 'I am. I don't think I can wait any longer.'
'Here is your dress, my lady.' Anna said, holding out a white garment.
'Well, it's now or never.' Emma said, smiling adoringly at her wedding dress, which was a slim, beaded bridal gown with flattering starburst pattern and floaty cap sleeves.
Anna and Cora helped Emma into her wedding dress and helped do her hair into a wavy bun and put on pearl earrings. Mary gave Emma her bouquet of roses, silver dollar greenery, Veronica line flowers, dahlia's, lisianthus and astilbes. Cora placed a Floral wedding tiara on Emma's head and Edith adjusted her veil and Emma glanced at herself when they had finished her look.
'Oh, my darling, you look very beautiful.' Cora said, a tear poured down her beautiful blue eyes.
'Mama...' Emma sighed, turning pink at the attention she was receiving.
'It's true, you look really pretty.' Edith said, smiling adoringly. 'James' breath would be taken away just by the sight of you.'
'All right, we should go, otherwise Mama will start blubbering.' Mary said and she kissed Emma's cheek gently and said, 'I'll see you at the church, darling.'
Emma nodded and watched as Mary left the room.
'I still can't believe you're getting married,' Edith said, shrugging, 'but James is perfect for you. I'm very pleased.'
Emma nodded at Edith's approval and Edith leaned over and kissed Emma's cheek and followed Mary.
Emma turned to her mother and asked, 'Is there anything I should know before I get married, Mama? Any advice?'
Cora gave a watery smile and said, 'I only wish you lots of happiness and love, and I am very happy for you finding your true love, my lovely daughter.'
Emma blushed and Cora went over to her and gently cupped Emma's face and kissed her cheek. Emma wanted to embrace her mother to soothe her, but Cora pulled away with a glowing smile, reassuring Emma that she was fine.
'Well, I'd better go down before O'Brien scolds me.'
Emma breathed deeply and glanced down to see she was all set. She got up and took her time to walk down the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs was Robert, who was going to walk Emma down the aisle. Emma steeled in her nerves by gripping her bouquet.
Robert gapped at his daughter.
'What do you think, Papa?' Emma asked with nerves settling in her stomach.
Robert smiled heartily and replied, 'The first daughter to marry in this house. You look splendid... I don't think there are words to describe how I feel.'
Emma beamed and she went over to him.
'Careful, dear, otherwise you'll ruin your dress.'
Emma chuckled as she reached him and said, 'I know... I just can't wait to see him.'
Robert offered his arm to Emma.
'I know he is just as anxious as you are.' Robert murmured.
Emma took her father's arm, beaming.
'Let's not keep him waiting.' Emma said, her heart thumping against her ribcage.
It was a picturesque scene. Just as Emma and Robert went over to the front of the house. The ground was touched by red, orange and yellow autumn leaves. There was a sleek white open carriage, which was pulled by two white horses and the coachman dressed finely as he awaited Emma and Robert. Emma was assisted by Anna and Robert onto the carriage, she reminded herself to be gentle with the veil and the train of her wedding dress. Robert hopped in after Emma had sat comfortably in the carriage. Once Robert sat down next to Emma, he closed the carriage door and the coachman shook the rope attached to the horses and the carriage started to move.
Just as they reached Ripon there was gentle sound of cheers and as they rode closer, Emma saw it was people all around from York who had come over to see the bride and celebrate. Emma couldn't stop herself from smiling and seeing people smiling, giving her best luck and wishes and waving at her, she waved back. Robert chuckled and waved too. Emma glanced up to see they had placed white streamers and banners around the buildings. There were also children and women leaning against open windows and throwing confetti into the air.
About fifteen minutes later, Emma could see the church within the distance and she had heard the church bells ringing and Emma thought it was one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. Emma couldn't stop beaming as she continued waving at the people who came to see her. She was sure to engrave the memory of this day and the church and it reminded Emma of Christmas cards when she was a small child. She remembered after the family Christmas service, she came up to the church and prayed.
Once they arrived at the church, the coachman had stopped the horses and Barrow opened the door for Robert to climb down. Emma could still see and hear the cheers from the people, she had seen them wave at her. Robert had offered his hand for Emma to take as she climbed out of the carriage and she waved back at the crowd.
Mary was with her as her maid of honour and Matthew was James' man of honour. Mary held out Emma's bouquet and handed them to her after she had readjusted her wedding dress.
The bells had continued to play right until the moment Emma and Robert linked in arms walked down to the church. Then the music changed to one of Emma's and James' choosing, they chose Pachelbel in the D. Emma's eyes were on James, who had his back facing towards her.
Emma couldn't wait to reach him; she gripped her father's arm as they walked slowly towards the alter and Emma saw all of the people who were in her and James' life were there. She had seen the servants of Downton on the left, along with her friends and their families that she knew of. She had seen a few of her close friends and girls that she came out with in London. On the right were people in James' life. Unfortunately, he didn't have any family members left so they were filled with friends from London, Manchester and Liverpool and childhood associates and colleagues.
Soon as she reached James. He finally turned to Emma and he smiled angelically, his eyes widened in surprise and Emma beamed at her fiancé. Robert placed Emma's hand onto James's.
'Hello, Love. You look magnificent.' James whispered, his eyes brightened.
Emma blushed and said, 'You look so handsome.'
James was wearing his fine black tails with a white rose adorned on his pocket square.
Emma couldn't keep the beam off her face when Reverend Travis spoke, starting the ceremony.
'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company of witnesses to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony...'
Emma's heart raced and she felt like pinching her arm. Wondering if this was a dream, a most wonderous dream and that she was going to wake up, feeling disappointed. She closed her eyes for a second before listening to the pastor, continuing with his sermon.
'To witness the joining in marriage of James Llewelyn and Emma Violet. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, he joins you together in one of the holiest bonds...'
'...You may kiss your bride.' Travis finished.
Emma turned to James and beamed brilliantly. James leaned down and kissed her and there was a thunderous applause from the background and James broke the kiss and they smiled widely at each other and then turned to their friends and family and the music began to play.
James held Emma's hand as they walked back out of the church, and they were greeted with confetti thrown out into the air and Emma and James waved at their friends and family.
James pulled Emma towards the carriage and he helped Emma step into the carriage and Emma sat on the soft fabric and waved at the wedding guests. James jumped up onto the carriage and a minute later, the coachman climbed up.
'Well, my dear husband, where will we be going?' Emma asked James.
James gave her a crooked grin and said, 'That is a surprise, my beloved wife.'
Emma leaned towards her newlywed husband and James leaned towards her and they shared a kiss, where there was a roar of cheers the moment they had kissed. Emma blushed and waved at her family and friends as they smiled widely and waved at the newlywed couple as the carriage rode steadily away from the church and cheering guests.
25 December 1919. Emma and James had arrived back to Downton from their honeymoon in Paris in the early afternoon. Emma and James were happy in their time in Paris for a month and then in Lake Como, Italy where they spent another month in the private retreat, and more importantly they had arrangements to find a place to live, somewhere close to Downton or someplace in London because James had wanted to get back into work. They thought of trying for a baby within a year or two, when they have settled in their married life. Emma felt like she was still in her honeymoon stage. It was the happiest time in Emma's life.
They had arrived at the front of the house and James helped Emma out of the motor and they walked inside the hose where they saw the lit Christmas tree.
'Papa! Mary, Edith!' Emma called happily, unwrapping her scarf.
Everyone turned to see the newlywed couple.
'Emma! James! When did you arrive, we didn't expect to see you until tomorrow!' Robert said, going over to Emma.
Everyone rushed over to the couple and greeted them with kisses and hugs. Emma felt glad to be back along with her husband. She felt it strange to call James her husband. It was still a new title to grasp.
'We wanted to surprise you and be back in time for Christmas.' James said, pecking Mary on her cheeks.
'We couldn't resist coming back early.' Emma beamed.
'Did you get us anything from Paris?' Edith asked.
'Of course, we did. Although, I had to stop Emma from buying the whole Chanel store in Rue Cambon.'
'It was almost irresistible to buy clothes from there.' Emma rebutted playfully.
'What was it like in Italy?' Mary asked.
'So beautiful and peaceful, wasn't it, James?' Emma said.
'Very colourful.' James answered politely.
Robert and Edith chuckled.
'Aunt Rosamund is here as well as Sir Richard for Christmas.' Mary said stoically.
Emma rolled her eyes, 'Good lord, he is still here?'
'Be nice, love.' James said, nudging her shoulder gently.
'All right, fine, I don't want to damper Christmas spirits. You'll get your gifts soon enough.' Emma said, holding James's hand.
'Did we miss anything?' James said, looking at Robert.
'Well, Bates's trial is taking place after Christmas. You had just missed us giving presents to the servants.'
'Oh, well, maybe we can give our gifts to the servants after lunch.' Emma said, glancing at James.
James nodded. 'Of course, we can pop in there and say hello.'
'Shall we go into the library? we were about to start opening our gifts.' Mary said, gesturing towards the library.
Everyone went in to the library and there was an exclamation of surprise. Cora rushed over to Emma and greeted her with a hug. To Emma's surprise, Cora gave James a hug and wished him a Happy Christmas. Emma went over to Violet and embraced her.
Barrow and Moseley came in into the library, carrying the gifts that Emma and James bought from Paris and placed them on the table where the other gifts were placed and then they left.
Emma went over to Edith as she poured her a cup of tea.
'Thank you,' said Emma.
'How is married life?' Edith asked Emma. 'Tell us about your honeymoon.'
'It's delightful,' said Emma, taking a sip. 'Paris was beautiful... we went to a dancing party for Lady Amelia Rocheford. I hadn't seen her since I was fifteen. She's married now and has two boys, Adam and Davide.'
'And Italy?' Mary asked.
'Absolutely breath-taking... We stayed at Villa Bel Balbianello for a few weeks. Lady Astrid was there with her family and they were delightful.'
Then Emma went over to sit next to Mary. James handed a gift to Robert and wished him a happy Christmas. Emma knew that her father would like his gift. It was a new golden pocket watch. Isobel went over to James and handed him his Christmas present.
'Why do we have to help ourselves at luncheon?' Sir Richard asked bluntly.
'It's Downton tradition,' said Robert. 'They have their feast at lunch time and we have ours in the evening.'
Sir Richard disagreed, 'But why can't they have their lunch early and then serve us...like they normally do?'
Emma rolled her eyes in annoyance.
'Because it's Christmas Day.' Mary said in disbelief.
'It's not how we'll do it at Hacksby.'
Emma placed her tea on the side table and went over to Violet. She was here for like two minutes and she had enough of Sir Richard's presence.
'Which I can easily believe.' Violet said. Emma watched as her grandmother opened her present from Isobel. 'Oh, this is nice, what is it?'
'What does it look like?'
'Something for getting stones out of horse's hooves?'
Emma chuckled.
'It's a nutcracker,' said Isobel. 'We thought you'd like it. To crack your nuts.'
Emma giggled, catching the eye of James who was holding in his laughter.
Emma went over to the presents and saw there was one for her and she took it in her arms and gently unwrap the paper to reveal an artbook.
'Oh, this is really sweet.'
'I thought you might want to keep on drawing and sketching. Your pieces are fantastic.' Isobel said.
'Thank you,' said Emma, giving Isobel a kiss on the cheek.
Emma placed the book on the table and saw James coming straight to her and he handed her an envelope.
'What's this?' Emma asked.
'Our Christmas Present.'
Emma took the envelope and opened it and her mouth opened.
'Really?'
'Yes, it's ours.'
Emma barely had the time to say anything before Edith spoke.
'What did James get you for Christmas?'
Emma turned and she smiled. 'We bought a house.'
'Oh, that's wonderful! Where is it?'
'It's Howsham Hall in North Yorkshire.' James said.
'Congratulations! When will you be moving there?' Edith asked.
'Hopefully soon, maybe after New Years...'
'Who's coming on New Year's Day?' Edith asked Robert, whilst sipping her tea.
'The usual guns. Us three and some locals. You'll know all of them.'
'Have you asked Anthony Strallan?' Edith asked.
Emma's eyebrows rose at thought of the dull man that Edith took a fancy too before the war.
Robert nodded and said, 'I tried. In fact, I gave him three dates, but he said no to all of them. Perhaps he's given it up.'
'But he was so keen before the war.' Edith frowned.
'Perhaps he's had enough banging for one life.' Violet said, ripping open another gift.
'Oh, and Rosamund's forced me to invite Lord Hepworth.'
Violet stared at her daughter in surprise.
'Really?' she asked.
'Well, I told him I was coming down here and he dropped hint after hint.' Rosamund said and she took in a gift from Cora.
'Perhaps he has nowhere to go. It can be a lonely time of year.'
'James Hepworth lonely? I find that hard to believe,' Violet muttered, 'Hepworth men don't go in for loneliness much.'
'How do you know him?' James asked her.
'I knew his father in the late sixties. Mais où sont les neiges d'antan?'
Emma and James shared a confused look at Violet's disdained comment.
At dinner, the Christmas pudding was bought out by Carson and everyone expressed their joy.
'Sybil's favourite.' Emma said to James, who was sitting next to her. She had missed sister very much and hoped she was having a jolly Christmas. The pudding was placed in front of Violet and she annouced. 'A happy Christmas to us all.'
'Happy Christmas!' everyone cheered as she cut in.
'Don't forget to make a wish.' Edith reminded.
'Let's all make a wish.' Robert said aloud.
'A wish and a prayer.' Mary added.
'Is this about Bates again?' Sir Richard whined.
Emma's jaw locked and bit her tongue to snap.
'My new maid says the servants' hall is full of it. How terrible it is.' Rosamund said.
'We mustn't lose faith. He's been wrongly accused,' said Emma.
'I'm sure you hope so,' Sir Richard refuted.
'We know so.' James defended.
There was a tense minute before Sir Richard broke it.
'How has Mr. Murrary managed to have the trial held in York?'
'I don't know, but thank God he has.'
'And he's confident?'
'He seems to be.'
'Lawyers are always confident before the verdict, it's only afterwards they share their doubts.' Violet said, ending the matter.
Barrow served Violet a plate with the dessert.
After dinner, it was time to play charades, it was a Downton tradition that Sir Richard also didn't like. Emma was hardly surprised anymore and wondered why Mary didn't end things with him when she can see it was clear that Mary had given up on the man. Mary was the first to play, she opened her hands as if she was opening a book.
'You're reading.' Edith said.
'A book.' Emma said.
'For heaven sakes, yes, I'm reading, because it's a book title,' Mary sighed.
'No talking, cheater,' Emma teased her eldest sister.
'I know, but honestly.'
Mary held up five fingers.
'Five words.' The group said in sync. Mary held up four fingers.
'Fourth word.' The family chorused.
Mary held up two fingers this time, and then one. 'Two Syllables. First syllable.'
'Mary started to act out by pretending to bang her head. Then she changed to pretend to fall over. Emma wondered, a few books came into mind when Isobel shouted, 'The tenant of Wildfell Hall!'
'Oh! Oh!'
'Yes.' Mary said.
The ladies applauded and Isis barked.
Emma watched as Cora pulled out a paper with a name as Mary sat down, smiling.
'Richard, you're turn. Come on.'
'This should be good.' Emma muttered to Edith.
Edith sniggered.
New Years' Eve 1919.
Emma was starting at herself in the mirror and noticed she had gained a bit of weight, normally, she was flat stomached, although she had noticed a tiny nudge and it bothered her. She remembered eating rich food in Paris and feeling nauseous the next day, but she had driven it out of her might, wondering if it was a stomach bug. Everyone had gathered in the drawing room. It was a few minutes before midnight and Emma was excited for the new era, she wore a dark red beaded gown that she got in Paris. She wondered what was going to happen in 1920 and hoped to have a wonderful year with her husband and family. She thought of all of her dreams were coming true... she had married the man she loved and they hoped to start a family soon.
'Not long now. Does everyone have a glass?' Robert said, checking his new pocket watch for the time.
'Yes.' Isobel said.
Emma was with Violet and Rosamund as Edith said, 'Anthony Strallan was at Granny's for tea the other day, so I know why he wouldn't shoot. He's hurt his arm.'
'Shame,' said Rosamund, 'We'll we shall try again next year.'
Edith carried the drink tray across the room and Violet muttered, 'Oh, I am sorry I started that. Now, don't encourage it. She'd spend her life as a nursemaid.'
Emma shook her head and she went over to James.
'How does it feel? To be a part of the Crawley's Christmas and New Years tides?' Emma asked her husband.
James grinned, 'It's rather enchanting. Although hopefully next year we would be spending Christmas and New Years in our new house.'
Emma's eyes sparkled, 'I would love that.'
'Once again the servants are downstairs and we're on our own.' Sir Richard drolled.
Emma and James' smile faltered at Sir Richard's voice.
'In the whole year we fend for ourselves at Christmas lunch and on New Year's Eve. It doesn't seem much to me.' Mary said tensely.
'Mary,' said James, 'Emma wants to tell you something important.'
Mary went over to Emma.
'Thank goodness, what is you wanted to say?' Mary asked, looking relieved.
'Nothing, it's just that you looked miserable in his company.' Emma said.
'Well, thank you.' Mary said, looking relaxed.
Matthew came over to their group.
'I hope London wasn't too grim.' Mary said kindly.
Emma had heard the news of Reggie Swire's death and Emma was saddened to hear of it. She supposed it had to be heartbreak of his daughter's death.
'Well, I got down there in time,' said Matthew, 'which is the main thing. And I was with him when he died. So he wasn't alone.'
'We're sorry for your loss, Matthew.' James said.
'Thank you, my friend.' Matthew said, giving him a small smile.
The clock chime began to whir into motion. Emma and James turned to each other.
'Oh, here we go!' said Rosamund.
The clock chimed.
'Happy New Year!' Robert said, raising his glass.
'Happy New Year.' Everyone chorused, raising their glasses.
Emma kissed James.
'Happy New Year, James.' Emma said lovingly.
'Happy New Year, Emma.' James said, glowing.
Emma turned to Robert and kissed his cheek. 'Happy New Year, Papa.'
'1920. Is it to be believed? I feel as old as Methuselah.' Violet chuckled.
'But so much prettier,' said Robert.
Rosamund, Hepworth and Emma chuckled.
'When I think what the last ten years has brought. God knows what we're in for now.'
'Only happy times,' said James, circling his arm around Emma's waist.
1 January 1920
This was one of Emma's top ten days of the year for a lot of reasons, but it was mostly because she got to wear tweed again. Emma loved tweed and remembered her time in Paris. It was becoming her new favourite outfit.
'You ladies will have to distribute your charms fairly as there are only four of you.' Hepworth said, 'Don't you agree, Lady Mary?'
Sir Richard interjected bluntly, 'Lady Mary will stand by me.'
Mary blanched, 'Now just-'
'And I thought you were going to stand with me for the first drive, isn't that what you said?' said Matthew.
'Did I?' said Mary, looking confused, then her expression changed. 'Yes, I think I did.'
'You'll cheer for me, love?' said James, sounding anxious.
Emma turned to see James looking anxious.
'Of course, I will, darling.' Emma said, patting his arm.
About an hour later, everyone was walking in the grounds and Emma stood behind James as he loaded his own gun.
'Why don't you have a loader, I thought you might have one?' Emma asked, looking at James as he fumbled to get the bullets in the barrel.
'I rarely use guns, much less than knowing how to hunt. There isn't much hunting in Manchester or London.' James said dryly. 'Anyways, I don't want anyone to mock me on my first hunt.'
Emma's eyebrow rose, 'Your first, heavens. I won't say a thing to the men.'
James readied the gun and pointed at the sky and pulled the trigger, obviously missing the pheasants.
'That's why I didn't have a loader.'
Emma smirked, 'You prefer your wife to cheer you on than a loader?'
'On any day, I would choose you over anyone else.' James said teasingly.
James took a series of shots before finally shooting one pheasant.
'Good shot!' Emma praised.
'Beginner's luck.' James said, downplaying himself.
'Well, I disagree.'
James reloaded his gun.
Emma glanced around and saw Matthew reloading his gun and Mary smiling at him. Emma smiled for her sister, hoping to God that Mary would leave Sir Richard.
About half an hour later, Emma watched as James got better at using the guns. The horn blared and Emma heard a faint squawk of a pheasant. Then she heard raised voices and Emma turned to see Sir Richard and Mary in a heated argument.
'That doesn't sound good,' said Matthew, appearing next to Emma.
'I know,' she said, 'Should we go in and rescue her?'
'Yes,' said Matthew, 'Otherwise things could turn ugly.'
Emma and Matthew walked up the hill as they heard Sir Richard hissing like an angry goose.
'Is something the matter?' Matthew asked, his eyes landing on Mary.
'Richard's loader seems to have got lost and this is one of the best drives. He's missing all the fun.'
'I see.' Emma said, her gaze sharpened at Sir Richard.
Just then, Sir Richard's loader came out of nowhere.
'Where the bloody hell have you been?'
'Sorry, sir.'
'I'm afraid Sir Richard's rather anxious to begin.' Mary reasoned.
'I'd better get back to my post.' Matthew said, 'Emma, are you coming?'
Emma nodded. 'Yes, James might send a search party.'
Emma wasn't feeling well to attend the shooting luncheon, instead she felt like spending an eternity in the bathroom. She had insisted James going to dinner without her. She felt violently sick after twenty minutes and she felt something swarming around in her stomach and she keeled over the toilet and threw up the contents of her stomach.
There was a knock on the door and Emma turned to see Isobel.
'James said you weren't feeling well and I thought I could help-'
Isobel paused to see Emma's pale expression.
'I-I really don't feel well. Could you tell James? I-I can't stay.'
Isobel nodded, 'First, let's get you cleaned up and I'll notify James.'
Emma was taken back to Downton, accompanied by Isobel and she went back to her room, her stomach was tender and she laid down on her bed.
'Now,' said Isobel, 'I rang for Doctor Clarkson, he'll be here in less than an hour.'
Emma nodded and she closed her eyes, breathing steadily.
'How long have you been feeling like this?'
Emma sighed, 'A couple of weeks.'
She opened her eyes and there was a spark in Isobel's eyes.
'What have you been feeling? Other than the throwing up?' Isobel enquired, sitting beside Emma's bed.
Emma racked her brain, 'Well, I have been feeling nauseous, like I want to throw up whatever I eat. Sometimes when I don't eat I feel faint and earlier I noticed I had gained weight...'
Emma met Isobel's eyes.
'I had just went through the Spanish influenza, and I hope this isn't another wave of the sickness.'
Isobel shook her head, 'I don't think so...but I think you might be with child.'
Emma's eyes widened, 'What?'
'The signs you described sounded like you are in early stages of pregnancy.'
Emma swallowed and she wondered if it were true if she was pregnant. She didn't want to be excited without being confirmed. She didn't know the symptoms of pregnancy and she could just imagine a small child with James's eyes and fair skin, a giggle ringing in her mind.
'We'll find out soon enough,' said Emma.
About forty five minutes later, Doctor Clarkson had arrived and conducted a few test and questioned Emma about her sickness, just then she felt hungry for eggs and oranges.
'It is definite signs of pregnancy.' Doctor Clarkson said. 'You're about six weeks pregnant.'
Emma had made it to dinner. Her mind was still frazzled at the thought of being pregnant. She couldn't grasp it yet. There was a tiny human growing inside of her, an innocent child...her child, hers and James's child. Emma smiled and she glanced adoringly at her husband, she hoped to tell him after dinner. Earlier in the day, she requested Isobel and Doctor Clarkson not to tell anyone and they said that they respected her choice. It was her news to tell everyone.
Emma stood up and waited for Mary, there was no way after that scene she was leaving Mary alone with that wretched man of a fiancé. She went over to James and he smiled crookedly at her.
'James, dear, could I steal you for a moment, there's something I need to tell you.' Emma said.
'Of course, love, just let-'
'I'd like to get married in the spring or the summer.' Mary's voice said.
'I am only asking to set a date.' Sir Richard said brusquely.
Emma and James turned to see an unpleasant scene unfolding before their eyes.
'But what's the hurry?'
'Hurry?' Sir Richard said in disbelief, 'Glaciers are fast compared to you on this, Mary. IâI warn you...'
Sir Richard grabbed Mary's arm to stop her from leaving. Emma's eyes hardened and her body flinched, a cold shiver went down her spine.
'Even my patience has its limits.'
Mary pulled her arm out of his grasp and stormed out of the room. Not a moment later, Matthew followed her out. Emma gave a nasty glare at Sir Richard and then left the room, the Dining room's temperature had dropped rapidly and she ran over to Mary.
'Mary!' Emma called, and she saw Matthew talking to Mary.
Mary looked tired in Emma's eyes, like she had enough of fights for a lifetime.
'You don't have to marry him, you know,' Matthew said, 'You don't have to marry anyone. You'll always have a home here as long as I'm alive.'
Mary's expression changed.
'Didn't the war teach you never to make promises? And anyway, you're wrong. I do have to marry him.'
Matthew scoffed, 'Emma, please talk some sense into her.'
Emma shook her head at her sister, 'Why? Why do you need to marry him? You're clearly not in love with him, why put up with him when he has been treating you like this?'
Emma heard footsteps and she turned to see it was James.
'Are you alright, Mary?' James asked with concern.
Mary nodded and said, 'I am fine. It's just Sir Richard is eager to get married, that's all.'
'That's all?' said James incredulously, 'What I saw in there was the opposite. All I saw were two unhappy people to put up with each other.'
Mary opened her mouth to retort.
'Okay, maybe he is eager to get married, but anyone with eyes can see you're not happy,' said Emma. 'The Mary I know would stand up to those who would try to cast her down.'
'I have to marry him,' said Mary defiantly, 'We'll be happy. I know it.'
'But why?' Matthew hissed, 'Not to prove you've broken with me, surely? We know where we stand. We've no need for...gestures.'
'If I told you the reason, you'd despise me, and that I really couldn't bear.'
Emma's eyebrows rose and her mouth had fallen. She hoped to God that Mary didn't tell Sir Richard the one secret that would destroy the family's reputation for years to come...
Just then, Cora peered out of the door.
'Emma? Mary? Rosamund wants to play bridge until the men come through.'
Mary nodded, 'Of course.'
That night after a few games of bridge and having brandy and tea just before bed. Emma had finally reached her room and she pulled down her dress over her head and helped herself into her dressing gown and she sat under the soft covers, waiting for her husband to come to her. She bit her lip and there was a tiny flutter in her stomach and she smiled down at her stomach.
'I can't wait to tell him, my little one, you'll make us very happy. I can't wait to meet you and I'm sure your papa will love you so much. I pray that you have his eyes, my little one. I love you so much.'
Emma patted her stomach gently and then the door opened to reveal James.
'How was it?' Emma asked as James stepped in and he started to remove his dinner jacket.
'So-so. Matthew beat us in a game of cards, luckily I didn't bet over thirty pounds, otherwise you'll have my head.'
'How was Sir Richard?' Emma asked, playing with the end of her covers.
'Bleak and blunt,' James said, 'as usual. Although Robert was quite silent, probably musing about the fact of seeing Mary being manhandled by him.'
'I wish she broke things off from him,' Emma said, then she looked up to see James in his navy blue pyjamas.
'So do I,' he said, 'I don't think anyone, even Mary, deserves a man like that.'
James laid beside Emma and she snuggled up to him, a smile drawn on her lips.
'Well, there is some other news that I need to tell you, something I think that would surprise you.'
'Such as what? You're planning someone's birthday?'
Emma frowned playfully, 'No. something bigger than that.'
'You finally want to go to university?'
'No, not yet.'
'O'Brien handed in her resignation?'
Emma chuckled, 'Oh how I wished that was true...'
James laughed, 'I heard the stories that people tell downstairs, what she did to poor Ethel...'
Emma said up, leaning against the polished bed board.
'I'm pregnant.'
James sat up, staring at her with wide eyes.
'What?'
Emma's mouth twitched, 'I'm pregnant.'
'Really? T-That's absolutely wonderful!' James said, his lips turned into a smile.
'You're okay with it?' Emma asked wearily.
'Of course I am! It's earlier than I thought...but I don't care. w-we're having a baby!'
Emma nodded, 'Yes!'
'Wait, so that was what you wanted to tell me before, before that unexpected scene in the dining Room.'
'Yes. I noticed that something was strange that wasn't like me at all. Remember I had been throwing up in Paris after a couple of weeks?'
'I remembered, we thought it must've been the Parisian food.'
'It's turns out I have been pregnant this whole time,' said Emma, 'about a month and a half.'
'Wait, does anybody else knows?' James asked anxiously.
'Only Cousin Isobel and Doctor Clarkson,' said Emma reassuringly.
'Oh, that's a bit of relief.' James said, his eyes sparkling at Emma. 'We're going to have a baby, seriously?'
Emma nodded, 'Yes. I know...I can't almost believe it.'
James leaned over to Emma and kissed her. She felt his passion, his love and feelings into that one kiss, Emma raked James' hair with her fingers for a moment before James pulled away to breathe.
'When do you think would be a good time to tell Mama and Papa?'
'How about after Bates' trial, give something to look forward to?'
Emma nodded, 'Alright. But I am dreading going into a courtroom.'
James squeezed Emma's hand, 'It would be a good thing to show our support to Anna.'
Two weeks later, the date of Bate's trial came. It was on a cold January morning and Emma had been sick, throwing up her breakfast. Mary eyed her sister as she rushed out of the room after breakfast and James followed his wife. It was rather a quiet morning and James had left Downton several times to get the papers done for their new house and buying furniture and Emma enjoyed setting up a nursery room although she wished she could've involved her mother. She had left it half done on purpose so that after Bate's trial, she would invite her mother to help set up the room.
Emma dressed herself in a black day gown and a small hat with a white diamond adorned around the ribbon to give a bit of a sparkle. James rested his hand on Emma's lower back and said, 'Shall we?'
Emma nodded and they both walked down the stairs.
Emma never had been in a courtroom in her life and she hated the vast room of coldness and the ray of cold sunlight hit the windows. James helped Emma onto the ledge to sit alongside Anna and Cousin Isobel. Emma felt as though she was waiting on an incoming and unavoidable doom and she didn't like seeing Mr. Bates so grim, his face was whitened and he had an expressionless look. It was hard for Emma to see how he was feeling.
'As far as I could make out,' O'Brien said, as she stood on the podium, giving her details to the prosecutor, 'he was talking to his lawyer. He seemed to be blaming his wife for cancelling the divorce.'
'You heard this yourself?' the Prosecutor asked O'Brien.
O'Brien blinked several times before saying, 'I wasn't eaves dropping. He was speaking loudly, but I don't think you can blame him.'
'Just answer the questions, please, Miss O'Brien.' The Prosecutor interjected. 'When John Bates returned from London on his final visit to Mrs Bates, did you notice anything about his appearance?'
O'Brien hesitated and then said, 'He had a scratch on his cheek, but he might have got that-'
'And I believe the maid, Anna Smith, asked him how the meeting had gone.'
'Well, she and he were...'
'And how did he answer?' The prosecutor pressed.
Miss O'Brien hesitated to speak. Emma glanced at Bates and saw a hesitant look.
'He said it had been worse than that she could possibly imagine.'
Emma's heart sank and she glanced at her father, his eyes went down. A few minutes later Mrs. Hughes was called to the stand and Emma grasped Anna's hand. She felt Anna gripping onto hers.
'And what did he call her?' The prosecutor asked Mrs. Hughes.
'I-I shouldn't have been listening in the first place. I h-had no right to be there.'
'But you were listening, Mrs Hughes.' The prosecutor said, almost smiling. 'So, please tell us what he called her when he grew angry.'
Mrs Hughes hesitated when she shared a look with Bates.
Mrs. Hughes cleared her throat and said hesitantly, 'He...He said she was a...bitch.'
There was a great murmur in the courtroom. Emma glanced at Bates and saw he closed his eyes in compunction.
'Did it sound as if he threatened to strike her?'
'But what people say in an argument...' Mrs. Hughes said defensively.
'Did he threaten to strike her?'
Mrs Hughes hesitated a long time, then she swallowed and said, 'I'm afraid he did. Yes.'
Emma glanced down and her eyes started to water she felt a caress on her arm and she knew it was from James and glanced up at him and swallowed.
'Don't give up, my love.' James whispered.
'I don't believe this, this case sounds like its going from bad to worse.' Emma said to Murray, outside of the courtroom during a break period.
'Every case looks as black as night by the time the prosecution is finished, but we've heard nothing in Bates' defence yet.'
'I can't believe Mrs Hughes would say those things,' Anna said strongly, shaking her head, 'Miss O'Brien, maybe, but not Mrs Hughes.'
'It's difficult to lie on oath,' said James. 'Few of us can manage it.'
Mary agreed and said, 'She looked as if she were in hell.'
'I have to agree with Emma,' said Robert, 'It does sound worse than I expected.'
'It's a great pity he didn't speak up about buying the poison.' Matthew said, furrowing his eyebrows.
'I told him to.' Anna said, 'I begged him to.'
'And he should've listened.' Murray said.
'Then it's down to me to convince them that this crime is simply not in Bates's character.' Robert said, looking at Anna.
They didn't have to wait long before everyone was called back into the courtroom and it was Robert's turn to give his testimony. Emma grasped James's hand as she watched her father, standing there, regal like, ready to take on what the Prosecutor was going to throw at him.
'So, you have no doubt at all?'
'None whatsoever,' said Robert, 'We served in the African War, and I owe my life to John Bates, who acted to protect me without any care for his own safety. Is this a man who could plot to kill his wife? Absolutely not.'
The prosecutor took his seat as there was a quiet murmur in the courtroom and the other prosecutor started to ask questions again.
'Lord Grantham, did John Bates ever speak to you about his wife?'
'Not that I recall.' Robert said, shaking his head.
'Never?' The Prosecutor pressed with raised eyebrows, 'He never once spoke one word of this wife who'd prevented all his dreams from coming true?'
'Well...you know one...talks about this and that.'
'Did he give you the impression he was losing patience with Mrs Bates around the time she had prevented the divorce? Were you aware that he was angry at what had happened?'
'I suppose so.' Robert said, nodding his head.
'Did he ask permission to travel to London to see her that last time?'
'I believe he did.'
'And did you recommend restraint in his dealings with his wife?'
'I don't think so.' Robert said, blinking.
'You're absolutely sure?'
'Well...perhaps I may have done.'
'You did, Lord Grantham. Mr Bates has, in his interviews, stated that you prescribed discretion, for his case is that he followed your advice, but I wonder why the defence has chosen not to refer to this.' The Prosecutor said.
'I can't tell you.'
'No. And was there one statement of his that prompted you to advise him to moderate his behaviour?'
'I can't remember. Not precisely.'
'Give us an approximate.'
Emma watched as her father expression morphed into confusion.
'I must urge that the witness gives an answer.' The judge said to Robert.
'I...said...I hoped his trip to London was to do with some property he owned and not to do with the former Mrs Bates.' Robert said reluctantly.
'And how did he answer?' The prosecutor said
Robert hesitated in replying before saying, 'He said...'
Robert glanced at Bates and then at Anna. Emma's heart sank at that moment.
'Lord Grantham...' the Judge pressed.
'He said, "If only she was the former or, better still, the late."' Robert said, then he glanced at Anna and gave an apologetic look.
There was a shocked murmur that rang through the court. Emma glanced at James and she saw his furrowed eyebrows at Bates. Emma glanced at Bates who glanced down in guilt.
There was a short break so that the jury could decided Bate's fate. Emma felt like there were snakes swarming around in her stomach at the thought of Bates spending his life in prison or worse, a noose around his neck.
'Hey, it's not over,' James said, looking concerned at his wife's pale complexion. 'Are you all right?'
Emma glanced down and she felt her mouth had gone dry, 'I don't know if I can stomach the thought of Bates in prison or worse. The wait is driving me mad.'
'I know,' said James, rubbing her shoulder gently, 'but it won't be long now before we know anything.'
'But that is the thing,' said Emma, 'I don't think I want to know if Bates ends up in prison. Back in the courtroom, it sounded worse than I thought.'
Just then, Mr. Murrary ran up to the couple, 'Mrs. Montgomery, the Jury's returned.'
Everyone went back to the courtroom and Anna grasped Emma's hand as they waited for the verdict.
'Are you all agreed?' The Judge asked the Foreman.
'We are, my lord.'
'The prisoner will stand.' The Judge said.
Bates stood up.
'Do you find the prisoner to be guilty or not guilty as charged?' the Judge asked.
'Guilty...'
Anna cried out.
'...my lord.'
Emma scrunched up her eyes at the doomed verdict for a second before looking at Bates. She saw Bate's devastated expression as the judge spoke again.
'John Bates, you have been found guilty of the charge of wilful murder. You will be taken from here to a place of execution where you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead, and may God have mercy upon your soul.'
'No! No, this is wrong! This is-this is terribly, terribly wrong!' Anna said as she cried.
Emma and Mary stood up and tried to comfort her. Emma felt powerless to help Anna, she didn't know what she could do, nothing could work.
'Take him down.' The Judge said.
Bates let out a tear and he hesitated before looking at his wife and murmured her name.
'Anna!'
After the trial, everyone stopped by at an inn to try and calm Anna down. Mary held onto Anna's arm as she looked rather worn out and pale. Isobel went to talk tot the barman as Mary guided Anna to have a seat at one of the tables in the middle of the inn. Emma sat down in between Matthew and James.
'You mustn't think this is the end.' Isobel said gently.
'For the judge to pronounce the death sentence is only a matter of routine.' Murray said.
'Routine?' Anna said faintly.
'He means the judge had no choice. If a man is found of murder, he must be sentenced to death, but there are many reasons for it to be commuted. Many reasons.'
'Is being innocent one of them?' Anna asked, tears sparkled in her eyes.
'We have to work to change the sentence to life imprisonment.'
Anna shook her head in disbelief.
'Life imprisonment?'
'Because it won't demand a retrial or an overthrow of the Crown's case. Once we have that, we can begin to build a challenge to the verdict.'
'Do you understand?' Mary asked Anna.
'Yes, milady, I do.'
'I still can't believe it.' Robert murmured.
'Well, I'm afraid you must.' Isobel said.
'We'll need you to write a letter to the home secretary.' Matthew said to Murray.
'I'll leave for London at once and put it into his hand myself.'
'He's a Liberal, isn't he? Pity.' Robert said.
'He's a decent man.' James said, furrowing his eyebrows.
'The flaw in their case is the question of premeditation. Even if Mr Bates had run into the cellar for the poison and pushed it into her food, we can argue strongly he didn't plan it.'
'He didn't plan it because he didn't do it. It's not in his character.' Emma said, frowning at Murray.
'And we'll stress the circumstantial nature of the evidence. There may still be elements that come to light.'
'What chance do you think we have?'
Murray shared a brief glance with Matthew before turning to Anna.
'It's not a good chance, Mrs Bates. But there's still a chance.'
Anna nodded, holding in her tears.
After talking to Murray and calming Anna down, everyone went back to Downton except for Murray. Emma wished she had something to eat at the inn, so instead she ate dinner without talking to anyone and she went to the library to have a moment to herself. She hugged herself as a few tears slid down her face and felt something in her stomach jolted a little. Her heart was broken for Anna and Bates and she wanted to tell her family about her pregnancy, though she felt she couldn't bear it now when Bates could be hanged tomorrow.
The door opened and Emma turned around to see it was her father.
'Oh, Papa...what a dreadful day it has been, how are you holding up?' Emma asked as she wiped the tears off.
Robert sighed and he went over to help himself to whiskey that was set on a silver tray.
'Gutted and wretched,' Robert said, then he took a sip and sat down opposite of Emma.
Emma nodded, 'I feel the same.'
It was silent for a moment and it felt like they were mourning someone who had died. Emma hated the tense mood and she sniffled.
'There is something I want to discuss with you, and I hope you will be truthful,' Robert said, staring at his daughter. It was like almost looking at the mirror.
Emma nodded, 'Of course.'
'Is it true that you helped Mary drag Mr. Pamuk's body from her bedroom to his in the dead of night?'
Emma swallowed and she felt shocked. How did her father come to know?
'H-How did-?'
'Your mama told me, but I also like to hear it from you.'
Emma stuttered, 'I-it's true. I helped her.'
Emma heart was now beating wildly against her ribcage and waited to see her father's disapproving expression.
'She came to me and I helped her.'
Robert sighed.
Emma sniffled and the tears started to pour again, 'Please, don't be harsh on Mary...I know what she did was wrong, but we tried to cover it up as much as we could...obviously now it's not a secret anymore.'
'Your mama said you swore to keep it secret, I understand.'
Emma glanced up at her father and saw he gave her a small smile.
'I hated keeping secrets from you, but I promised Mary that I wouldn't tell.'
Robert nodded and asked, 'Does James know?'
'Yes,' she said, 'he knows. He doesn't have any resentment for me anymore.'
Robert straightened his back, 'So that was why you and he separated before the war?'
'Yes, he said he didn't want any secrets between us.'
'I see.' Robert said.
'Can I ask you something, Papa?' Emma asked softly.
Robert nodded, 'You just did.'
'Can you talk to Mary and talk her out of marrying Carlisle,' Emma said tiredly, 'She...I can see she isn't happy with him. I hate that my sister is going to marry a man that she clearly doesn't love and I think she is marrying him for the wrong reasons.'
Robert stared at Emma, 'I know. I don't see her as happy as you were when you got married. All I see is a tired woman about to marry tiresome husband.'
Emma nodded and she got up and said, 'I tried to talk to her, and so did Matthew, I think you might have a better chance of putting sense in her head.'
Robert stood up and he embraced Emma.
'I will talk to her.'
A few nights later, Robert's beloved dog Isis had went missing. Emma was worried Isis and her father was distraught and was she. Emma loved Isis since she was bought into the house and she had known her since she was a little puppy. Emma, James and the family and servants went out in the night with torches looking for Isis in the woods.
'Isis! Come here, girl! Isis!'
'Poor Papa.' Mary said, 'I wonder if she's been stolen.'
'What a horrid thought.' Edith exclaimed.
'I truly hope not.' Emma said, scanning the woods for the beloved pet.
Emma went over to the other side searching for Isis when her stomach gave a little leap and Emma gasped. Her baby moved.
'I'm afraid we'll have to call it a night! But remember there's ten pounds for anyone who finds her tomorrow! For now, thank you all very much!' Robert called out.
Emma went over to papa and rubbed his arm reassuringly.
'Poor Papa. It's terrible for you.' Mary said.
'She may turn up. She may be trapped somewhere. We could still find her.'
'We'll find her,' said Emma, 'she will come back home.'
Emma kept a lookout whilst they were walking back and she noticed Mary and Matthew lingered back.
The next day came and to Emma's delight; Isis was found by a child in the village who found her locked in a shed. Isis probably locked herself in Emma had thought. When she found the family's pet. She instantly went over to her and give her a hug. Emma spent most of her day drawing, finding it peaceful and she had an aching hand and stopped drawing the marigold flower when it was time to have dinner.
After dinner, Emma felt like reading Les Misérables novel when had heard shouting in the library.
Emma walked into the room where she saw Sir Richard, red in the face and Mary looking hopeless.
'Is everything all right?' Emma asked, 'I heard shouting.'
'Yes, everything is fine, you should go back,' Mary said.
'Oh, no, no, no. If it isn't the woman who would be my sister in law?' Sir Richard sneered.
Emma narrowed her eyes.
'I wouldn't be your sister in law by any chances.' Emma said shortly.
Sir Richard went over to her when she heard an angry voice behind her.
'Stay back if you know what is good for you.' James said threateningly in a low voice.
Emma turned halfway to see James had a dark expression on his face and his hands firmed into fists.
'Of course, if it isn't the jumped-up dressmaker from god knows where! Tell me, do you always beck and follow your wife because she is higher class than you? Or are you a snivelling dog trying to up a notch in society?'
'Don't you dare speak like that to my husband.' Emma snarled, her eyes flashed maliciously.
Just then, Matthew appeared through the doorway.
'Mary, are you quite all right?' he asked Mary.
'Oh, here he is,' Sir Richard mocked, 'the man who can smile and smile and be a villain. Is she not to be trusted even to get rid of me without your help?'
Emma wasn't sure how long she could bottle up her frustration.
'I heard shouting.'
'Lavinia knew it, you know. She knew you never loved her.' Sir Richard pressed.
Matthew slowly turned to Sir Richard with a menacing glare.
'Don't you dare.' Matthew spat.
'Oh, she said it once. It was late and she was tired, you two were locked together in the corner of the room and she said, "If he could just admit the truth, then all four of us might have a chance."'
'Liar.'
'I'm not a liar. No, I am many things, but not that. She regretted it, of course, but she said it.'
'You bastard.'
Matthew punched Carlisle and Emma and Mary cried out in shock. The men wrestle and knock over a table, smashing a vase. James stepped in and he tried to pull Matthew by the scruff of his jacket.
Robert entered.
'Stop this at once!'
James grabbed Matthew and Carlisle by the back of their necks to separate them and Robert went over to Emma and Mary and then he turned to the men.
'I presume you will be leaving in the morning, Sir Richard. What time should I order your car?
Sir Richard got up and smoothed his hair down and straightened his jacket.
'How smooth you are. What a model of manners and elegance. I wonder if you'll be quite so serene when the papers are full of your eldest daughter's exploits.'
'I shall do my best.' Robert said plainly.
Violet rushed into the room.
'Oh, what on earth's the matter?' she asked.
'I'm leaving in the morning, Lady Grantham. I doubt we'll meet again.' Sir Richard said.
'Do you promise?' Violet asked with hope.
Emma gave an exasperated look to Violet.
Sir Richard took one last look at them and Emma gave a cold expression before he left the room.
'Good Riddance.' James said, smoothing his jacket.
'Sorry about the vase.' Matthew said.
'Oh, don't be. Don't be. It was a wedding present from a frightful aunt. I have hated it for half a century.'
Emma turned to James and Matthew and asked, 'Are you all right?'
'I will be,' said James, smiling crookedly at her.
'I'm glad that business is over,' said Violet, rubbing Mary's arm.
The next day, Sir Richard had left early in the morning and Emma was sick again and realised she was about three months pregnant now and her stomach was already showing a bump. Everyone was called into the library and Emma thought it was a family emergency meeting, although she was surprised to see Anna, Mrs. Hughes and Carson was there too.
'The home secretary finds that many details call into question the case for premeditation. The point is, he will not hang.' Robert explained.
Emma exhaled with relief that Bates wasn't going to hang.
'But it's still life imprisonment.' Anna said shakily and Mary held her hand.
'Don't dwell on that, not now. It's life, not death. That's all we need to think about.'
'We've a task ahead of us, it's true. Bates will live and he is innocent. In time, we'll prove it and he will be free.'
Anna looked like she was going to burst into tears.
'I must go and see him...today. They'll let me, won't they?'
'I can't believe they won't. I'll get Pratt to run you into York.' Robert said.
Anna chuckled with tears in her eyes. John Bates wasn't going to die.
The Servants Ball had went ahead that night due to Bates wasn't going to be hanged. To most people, it was a relief to be doing something happy and merry after the dark shadow had left. To Emma, it was a good relief that came since she found out she was pregnant. She sat down whilst she watched the servants dance with the members of the family. She was a little stunned to see James dancing with Daisy and she smiled when James shared a brief eye contact with her.
Emma watched as Barrow danced with Edith and Matthew danced with Mrs. Patmore when she realised a familiar voice spoke next to her.
'Would you care for a dance, my love?'
Emma glanced at her husband and nodded, 'I will never say no to a dance with you.'
Emma took his hand and he led her to the floor and they danced to the waltz.
'A penny for your thoughts?' Emma asked James.
'Do you think now is a good time to tell everyone?'
Emma quirked her eyebrows.
'Now?'
James smiled crookedly, 'Why not? Everyone is here? Bates won't be hanged and everyone is celebrating.'
Emma contemplated for a moment before nodding.
'Yes. Let's announce it to everyone.'
James stopped dancing and he went over to get two glasses of champagne and stood near the stairs and Emma went over to him, standing next to him and he handed one over to Emma.
James tapped on his glass and the music died down and everyone glanced around in confusion, probably what was going on.
'May I have everyone's attention please, I like to make an announcement.' James said.
Everyone turned to James and Emma.
'Lady Emma and I have some good news to share with everyone and I'll keep it short...it's with great pleasure to announce that Lady Emma is with child.'
There was a great murmur of surprise and cheer and applause.
Robert and Cora went over to Emma and James with big grins spread across their face.
'Oh, that's is wonderful news!' Cora cried out happily.
'I am very happy for you both.' Robert said, smiling at Emma.
Robert turned to the audience and raised his glass and toasted, 'To Lady Emma and James.'
Everyone held out their glasses in the air, 'To Lady Emma and James.'
Emma and James raised their glasses and James leaned down to Emma and gave her a swift kiss on her cheek.
'My darling wife.'
Emma smiled and she felt she couldn't be happier than she was now.
And there we have it! I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter. It took me almost a week to edit it before I was finally satisfied with the outcome.
Writing the wedding day was my favourite and I hope you all liked it!
Although finding destinations for their honeymoon was the trickiest because I had many ideas of where they would like to go, so I settled for Paris, France and lake Como, Italy.
Sir Richard is gone for good! I never liked his character so I wanted him to have a little spat with Emma and James before he finally left.
And now we have a baby on the way!!! I am still contemplating on the gender and name for their baby so I would like to ask everyone to have an input.
Q. What gender and names would you like for the baby? You can put as many answers as you wish! ð
NOTE- This is the last update of Emma Crawley for this year, I will release a small teaser in December 2021 of Season 3, however the title of the story will change to 'Emma Montgomery. Season Three.' And I will put the date of the next story in the teaser.
Feel Free to comment!! Vote! And add Emma Crawley Season 2 into your Libraries!