"What on earth is taking so long?" Robert exclaimed, tapping his knee impatiently, and rather anxiously. The whole family was anxious, to say the least. After Sybil's disastrous birth, well, it was all Robert could do to not get in the car and drive to the hospital at once, never mind the fact that he could not drive.

"Oh Robert, they probably just want some time alone with the baby. As a family, you know. It is perfectly understandable. Do not worry so," Cora smiled at him, but Robert could see her teeth gnawing on her bottom lip, a habit that only appeared when she was nervous. Robert reached for her hand and squeezed it, needing the comfort just as much as she did. Mary would get through this, she was strong, and healthy. Then again, so was Sybil…..

"I do not know why they want time with the baby. Nasty, loud things! I understand why you have them, but it is not necessary to spend time with them. That is why we have nurse-maids." Violet tutted, looking confused.

"A baby is such a wonderful gift. I don't blame them for wanting to keep their beautiful gift all to themselves for as long as possible." Isabel chimed in, looking pleased with herself for putting down the old dowager countess.

"Well, it has been at least an hour, they can have more 'private time' later," Robert stood, then glanced at Tom, "Tom, if you could drive me to th-" At that exact moment Matthew Crawley burst through the heavy oak doors, red-faced and panting. Everyone froze, waiting for the news that he had brought

"Mary is doing fine. She is as healthy as can be. And we have a perfect ]little baby boy!" he exclaimed proudly. The whole room visibly relaxed, before cheers and shouts of congratulations were heard. Robert, looking very relieved, patted Matthew on the back.

"Well done son. I couldn't be prouder. Thankyou for giving me a grandson."

"You should be thanking Mary for that. She did all the work, while I drank all the brandy!" Robert laughed.

"Well, what else is drink for than to help expectant fathers through labour."

"Oh, my dear, our very first grandson!" Cora had come over, and was holding Roberts hand tightly, her face expressing her joy at the thought. In fact, it was hard for anyone in that room not to smile, for the news of a healthy mother and child was enough in that moment to lift the gloom and despair that had settled over the house since Sybil's death. But no one was more ecstatic than Matthew, who was practically skipping.

"Mary has asked to see her parents, Edith, and Mother. Anna and Mr Carson, if you could come to?" Matthew turned to the ladies maid and butler.

"We would be delighted to, sir" Anna replied, smiling brightly.

"You can ride with us, but quickly, all of you. I want to get back to my wife and son as quickly as possible. Son, I will never get tired of saying that!"

"And I hope you never shall, my dear boy" Isabel replied fondly.