CHAPTER SIX
Two years later
Albert couldn't believe that he had been at Downton for two years already. He had become close with Daisy, who worked in the kitchen. She smiled and blushed whenever he entered the kitchen or in passing.
"Albert, Mr. Edwards in the stables would like to see you." Mr. Bates told Albert one morning at breakfast. Everyone looked to Albert.
"Did he say what it was concerning?" Albert inquired. Mr. Bates nodded.
"Your horse, Joey, is ill." Mr. Bates answered. Albert felt all the color drain from his face. He slowly got up from the table and followed Mr. Bates.
"Matthew, why don't you go with him for encouragement?" Mary suggested, looking at her stomach. She was in her last month of pregnancy and it was taking its toll on her.
"All right." Matthew answered, kissing Mary's cheek and headed to the stable.
Matthew was greeted by horses as he entered the stables. He stopped to pet one or two then went on his way.
"Joey, you're all right. You're not dying. Do you understand me?" Albert's words pierced the otherwise quiet barn. Matthew followed Albert's voice and stayed in the shadows, leaving Albert and Joey to say their goodbyes.
From where he was standing, Matthew saw Joey lying on his side, his breathing labored. Albert was running a hand down his neck while the veterinarian, a man named Dr. Wilkins, stood at the back of the stall, shotgun in hand.
"You ready?" Dr. Wilkins inquired. Albert nodded and had Joey stand, which was painful to watch, so Matthew turned away.
"Let me help." Matthew offered, getting another lead rope and clipped it to Joey's halter. Together, the four of them made their way to the back pasture where Joey would end his suffering.
"Albert, come here." Matthew coaxed. Albert was hesitant at first, but embraced Matthew as Dr. Wilkins put Joey out of his misery. "I am so sorry for your loss."
Albert didn't say anything, just sobbed into Matthew's jacket. Matthew embraced the boy, letting him know that everything would be all right.
Slowly, the two of them made their way back up to the house. Albert went to his room while Matthew went to tell the family what happened.
"Albert just made a heartbreaking decision." Matthew started. Everyone's eyes were on him. "He decided to put his favorite horse in the entire world to sleep. The horse – Joey – had an infection and was slowly dying from it."
"Oh, poor Albert." Mary whispered, clutching Matthew's hand as he sat down.
"Where is he?" Thomas inquired.
"In his room. He wishes not to be disturbed." Matthew answered.
"The poor dear. Should I see if the kitchen staff will do something?" Isobel asked.
"Why don't you ask them to dance a jig? Can't you see the boy is heartbroken?" Violet retorted.
"In a way, Isobel's right. We should do something for him." Edith spoke up.
"Later. For now, he wants to be alone." Matthew said, helping himself to food. He would make a plate for Albert, since the boy missed breakfast.
"I'll talk to Mrs. Hughes. I'm sure she'll have some ideas." Cora said, excusing herself from the table.
Cora went to the kitchens, not knowing what to say to Mrs. Hughes. She rattled her brain for something as she approached the staff's eating quarters. They all rose as she entered.
"What's wrong Lady Grantham?" Anna asked.
"Albert had to put down his beloved horse today, so he's grieving." Cora told the staff. All of them looked at each other and back to Cora. "I was wondering if one or some of you could do something to cheer him up."
"I could make him something." Daisy announced. Cora smiled at her.
"That would be lovely, Daisy." Cora told the girl before heading back upstairs.
"What are you thinking?" Mrs. Patmore inquired as Daisy flipped through a simple cookbook.
"I dunno. Somethin' simple, I guess." Daisy answered.
"Something simple and quick. Remember, we have to start preparing supper in an hour." Mrs. Patmore reminded Daisy.
"I know." Daisy responded, smiling when she found the perfect recipe. She got the ingredients out and started working the dessert. The cookbook called it Chocolate Mousse With Peppermint Cream.
Half an hour later, the dessert was made and it looked lovely. Daisy put it in a glass bowl then took it to Albert.
He had his back to her as she entered the room, dessert in hand. She quietly and quickly made her way to Albert's bedside and placed it on a table.
Daisy took a minute to look over Albert's features. She realized she was staring at him too long and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Everyone was busy with getting dinner ready. When dinner was ready, Mr. Carson and the servers went upstairs while Daisy, Ivy and Mrs. Patmore dished dinner up for the staff then put the food away.
The following afternoon, Albert came into the kitchen, a daisy in his hand. He saw Daisy talking to Ivy and made his way over to her.
"A daisy for Daisy." Albert said, handing the daisy to Daisy. She smiled and twirled it in her fingers. "It's my way of saying thank you for the lovely dessert you made me."
"You're welcome, Albert." Daisy said, placing a kiss on his cheek. Albert smiled and exited the kitchen. He made his way upstairs and almost ran into Robert.
"There you are Albert! I was looking for you actually." Robert told Albert.
"You were?" Albert asked, a little confused.
"Tell me, my boy, have you ever played cricket?" Robert inquired, leading Albert outside.
"No, I haven't." Albert answered.
Robert explained the rules as they walked further onto Downton's property. He saw Matthew and Thomas throwing a ball to each other.
"Well, I have business to attend to. Have fun you three!" Robert told the boys as he headed back inside.
Thomas smiled and walked over to Albert. At first, Albert and Thomas didn't get along, but after Thomas learned about Albert's history, the two of them put their dislike of each other behind them.
"Albert, I am sorry to hear about your horse. I'm sure he was a wonderful creature." Thomas said as he led Albert over to the cricket area.
"Thank you for your kindness Thomas." Albert thanked Thomas. Matthew smiled and showed Albert how to properly hold a bat while Thomas put protective gear on Albert's legs and elbows.
Albert missed most of Matthew's throws, but hit a couple of them. Matthew smiled and helped Albert out of the protective gear as Cora came over to them.
"Are you all packed for Scotland?" she inquired. Matthew nodded, Albert shook his head and Thomas stood still.
"I don't think I should go." Albert and Thomas answered together.
"Why ever not?" Cora inquired.
"I don't know the family and I feel better suited here." Thomas answered.
"I agree with Thomas." Albert spoke up.
Cora smiled and headed back to Downton. The wind picked up speed, so the three of them decided to call it a day.
Four days later was the cricket match. For the first time in a long time, Downton won, leaving the villagers leaving angry and disappointed. The Downton players laughed and danced circles around each other, clasping hands and drinking to their heart's content.
Two weeks later, it was time for the family to go to Scotland. Thomas had taught Albert how to drive, so Albert would be taking the staff who were going in one car and Thomas would take the family in the other.
"We'll miss you, Albert." Matthew told Albert as he helped load the luggage onto the train. Albert had made the decision not to go, since he didn't know the family. He and Thomas, along with some of the kitchen staff, would be staying behind while the family went to Scotland for ten days.
"Have a jolly time!" Albert told the family, waving to them as the train pulled out of the station. He then looked to Thomas. "What do we do now?"
"Go back to Downton." Thomas answered. Albert nodded and followed Thomas to the cars and drove back to Downton.
It was quiet for the rest of the day. For lunch, Albert and Thomas ate sandwiches and for dinner, they joined the servants downstairs.
Both Albert and Thomas had a nice dinner with the staff. It was an enjoyable experience. Mrs. Hughes had Albert sit near Daisy, since she figured the two of them fancied each other.
A couple days later, Mr. Carson brought Thomas and Albert to the kitchen so he could talk to everyone at once.
"Mr. Carson, is everything all right?" Ivy inquired.
"No. That was Lady Crawley on the phone. Mary's been admitted to the hospital." Mr. Carson told everyone. They knew that Mary was in good hands, but they also feared that something bad would happen to her.
Towards evening, Mr. Carson gathered everyone in the kitchen again. Everyone knew that something was wrong.
"Lady Crawley phoned again. Mary had her baby – a boy." Mr. Carson started. "She's fine, but extremely tired. She's going to stay at the hospital while the rest of the family comes back here."
Albert and Thomas smiled at one another and exited the kitchen, leaving the staff to get busy cleaning the house before everyone arrived.
Mr. Carson was looking for Thomas when he heard crying coming from the nursery. There was no sign of the nanny, so Mr. Carson went in to see what was bothering little Sybil.
"Come here my dear." Mr. Carson cooed, carefully picking up the little girl. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she kept looking around for her father or the nanny. "There, there. Shall we have a chat about it, hmm?"
"Mr. Carson, you have such a way with children." Albert's voice startled Mr. Carson. Albert's face lit up when he saw little Sybil.
"I remember all three girls at this age." Mr. Carson told Albert. "She looks just like her mother."
"May I?" Albert asked, holding his arms out. Mr. Carson nodded and carefully placed Sybil in his arms. Little Sybil cooed as she looked into Albert's kind eyes.
"I believe she likes you." Mr. Carson told Albert, looking at the two of them.
Albert held little Sybil for a few more minutes before handing her back to Mr. Carson.
That night, Thomas and Albert were having supper with the servants when the phone rang. Mr. Carson went to answer it and came back a few minutes later, grim faced.
"It is my sad duty to report that Master Crowley has been in an accident." Mr. Carson told everyone.
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Hughes questioned.
"He is no longer on this earth." Mr. Carson answered.
"You mean he's-?" Anna started, tears in her eyes. Mr. Carson nodded.
All the women began crying and the men did their best to comfort them. The only two who weren't upset were Thomas and O'Brian.
"What will happen to Mary and the child?" Mrs. Hughes asked.
"They will try to soldier on." Mr. Carson answered.
Late that night, the family came back. The staff helped them move in while Albert and Tom tried to stay strong for the family.
Albert was most shaken by the loss. He had come to know Matthew as a brother and friend. He knew deep in his heart that Matthew was in heaven with his parents and Sybil.
"There, there Miss Crawley." Albert comforted Isobel as she broke down on the main stairway. He helped her up and let her cry into him as he led her to a spare room in the house.
Four days later, everyone changed into their best black outfit and headed to the small church where the service would take place. Albert sat between Mary and Isobel. He put loving arms around both their shoulders, knowing what they were going through.
At the house, there was a small lunch. No one talked, which Albert found strange. He ate his sandwich in silence then went to the barn.
"Thought I would find you here." James said, startling Albert.
"Why aren't you at the house?" Albert inquired.
"It's too quiet there." James answered, reaching out to pet Sugar. "These are some lovely horses you have here."
"Thanks. That's Sugar and Diamond is the black mare next to her." Albert told the young man. He went to the tack room and quickly brushed Diamond. She was now five years of age and was a sleek and graceful jumper.
A few minutes later, Diamond was saddled and bridled. Albert led her outside, not caring that the rain stung his eyes. James had gone back inside.
"Albert! Where are you going?" Edith called as Albert rode by.
"For a ride!" Albert called back.
"It's dangerous! There's a storm coming!" Edith nearly screamed. Albert looked up and saw a giant limb of a tree come crashing down five feet away. Diamond whinnied frightfully, reared and took off into the woods like a shot.
Edith came running toward Albert, praying he wasn't hurt. She glanced him over and he seemed fine.
"Are you all right?" Edith inquired. Albert nodded and slowly stood.
"We have to go after her!" Albert yelled as the rain poured down from the heavens.
"No. Mary wants to talk to you." Edith told Albert, brushing him off as they headed inside.
Albert took a minute to change into some dry clothes, with Mr. Bates' help. Albert thanked Mr. Bates and went to find Mary.
He found her in the sitting room, holding her little boy. Albert quietly entered and sat across from Mary.
"I want to talk to you about something." Mary started, her voice sad and hoarse. "I'm naming him Matthew, but for his middle name, I would love to name him after you."
"Would your father mind?" Albert asked as Mary handed him the baby. The little boy had blond hair sprouting from his head. For the moment, his eyes were closed – the little chap was sleeping.
"I talked to him about it. He said he was all right with it." Mary answered, looking into Albert's eyes. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying.
"Thank you, Lady Mary. I am honored about your choice." Albert said, handing little Matthew to Mary.
"Also, I talked to father and both of us agree that you may call Edith and myself your sisters." Mary told Albert. Albert smiled, beaming with pride.
"Thank you." Albert thanked Mary, placing a kiss on her cheek.
Two years later
Albert tried not to laugh as he watched the children from his hiding spot. The three of them were playing hide and seek, a game which should be played outdoors. It was chilly and the children wanted something to do.
Little Sybil and little Matthew slowly made their way over to Albert. Little Sybil and little Matthew were spitting images of their mother and father.
"Found you!" Sybil squealed, tapping Albert's knee. He smiled and picked her up, spinning her around the room. He then set her down and picked up little Matthew.
"There you are! Been looking everywhere for you three!" Cora said. Albert set little Matthew down and sat down upon the couch as the children went over to their grandmother.
Albert then got off the couch and headed to the kitchen. He saw Daisy kneading dough. Albert kissed her cheek and watched her work.
"Master Albert. What are you doing down here?" Mrs. Patmore asked. Albert quickly moved away from Daisy and avoided Mrs. Patmore's gaze.
"I came to see Daisy, ma'am." Albert answered.
"You saw Daisy now get going." Mrs. Patmore said, shooing Albert out of the kitchen. Daisy gave Mrs. Patmore a dirty look and went back to kneading the dough.
"You didn't have to talk to him like that." Daisy told Mrs. Patmore.
"You two are not married, so he should not be touching you like that." Mrs. Patmore told Daisy.
"We're just seeing each other. Nothing more, nothing less." Daisy told Mrs. Patmore.
Meanwhile, upstairs, the footmen and Mr. Carson were getting things ready for Albert's birthday.
"How old is he turning?" James asked as he hung streamers.
"One and twenty." Mr. Carson answered, holding the ladder steady.
James whistled and finished hanging the streamers. He then carefully climbed back down the ladder.
That night, Albert had a wonderful birthday dinner ending with a carrot cake for dessert.
"Your last present is in the stables." Thomas said, walking with Albert, Robert, Cora, Edith and Mary to the stables. The children were asleep and would see the surprise in the morning. Violet didn't move from her easy chair, nor did Isobel.
"Momma, Isobel, would you like to come?" Robert asked.
"I don't fancy horses, but thank you." Isobel replied.
"You can't trust those beasts. They bite at one end and kick at the other." Violet responded, sipping her tea.
Robert joined his family at the stables and smiled when Albert came to the stall with the big bow on the front.
"He's for you. His name is Fortune's Gratitude." Thomas was telling Albert. Robert moved closer to see the elegant creature.
The horse stood 15.5 hands at the withers and was a dusty-brown color. He had an elegant head, broad neck and lean body. His mane and tail were black. The only white marking he had was a broad blaze that took up most of his face.
"What breed of horse is he?" Albert asked.
"He's an Irish Thoroughbred. Went to an auction in Ireland and thought he would be the perfect horse for you." Thomas told Albert.
"How old?" Albert questioned.
"He's fourteen and will live to be in his thirties." Thomas answered.
"He's beautiful. Thank you, Thomas. This means a lot to me." Albert thanked Thomas, hugging him. Thomas smiled and hugged Albert back.
"He really is a beautiful creature." Mary said, feeding Fortune's Gratitude a carrot. He lipped it up and nudged her hand for more.
"What are you going to call him for short, seeing as Fortune's Gratitude is very hard on the tongue." Edith pointed out.
"I was thinking Gratitude." Albert said, giving the horse one final pet before following his family back to the house.
Everyone took a turn petting Gratitude before also going to the house. As Albert passed by her empty stall, he hoped that Sugar and Joey were keeping each other company, wherever they were. Diamond bobbed her head and snorted as Albert and the others passed by her stall. He stopped momentarily to pet her then was on his way.
Back at Downton, Albert was getting ready for bed when Anna and Mr. Bates entered the room. Albert was a little confused, seeing as only Mr. Bates helped him get ready.
"Anna? What are you doing here?" Albert inquired.
"Mr. Bates and I wanted to give you something. It's not much, but we hope you like it." Anna said, presenting Albert with a gift.
Albert opened the gift and smiled. It was a silver horse statue. The horse looked a lot like Joey.
"Thank you so much. I really love it." Albert said, placing it on a high shelf. He then kissed Anna's cheek and shook Mr. Bates' hand.
"It's not every day you turn twenty one." Mr. Bates said, finishing dressing Albert.
"It seems strange, doesn't it?" Albert asked. Mr. Bates smiled and closed the door, leaving Albert to sleep. The lad had a busy day and Mr. Bates didn't blame him for wanting to get sleep.
As Mr. Bates closed the door to Albert's room, he thought about all that Albert had gone through. He was grateful to call Albert his friend.