Une Nouvelle Ère [Book 2]

XVIII

3rd of June, 1928

With his final year at Hampton done and summer break finally came along, Alex was smiling happily as he headed back home at Downton, knowing he would have a good amount of rest...

...or so he thought.

Ever since he arrived home weeks ago, he has already attended a traditional Scottish wedding for the first time—thanks to the wedding of Jo's oldest brother James, to Lady Augusta Primrose.

Now, he is attending another wedding, and is now staying at the Brampton Estate with the rest of the family and the staff, where he is in great honor of being Tom's best man.

"Now Alex," Tom then said to him the night before the wedding "I want you to take care of this ring. You will also have to give this to George."

"Of course." Alex replied as he took the red box that contained Lucy's golden wedding band "I promise to take utmost care of this."

"Good." Tom smiles happily and pats his brother-in-law's back "But...I have something to ask of you."

"What is it?"

Tom hesitated for moment, before speaking once again "I know I haven't spoke to you about this, but I am forever glad to be you brother-in-law all these years. I just hope Sybil is happy about our bond...wherever she may be."

Alex smiles softly, and nods in agreement "Surely, Sybil is happy that you and Sybbie are both happy. I think she would've loved Lucy too, as much as we all love her." he then said "And you will always be my brother-in-law Tom. No matter what."

***

Alex tried to wake up bright and early to prepare, but Brampton House was already in motion: new carpets laid, silver and glass ware already put outside in the gardens for the reception, and the last of the decorations being put up to place.

He then heard a knock on the door, which revealed Andy in his livery attire.

"You rang, milord?" he inquired.

"I have, yes." Alex smiled "And I see you haven't changed yet."

"Mister Carson told us to change after breakfast, sir."

"Of course, because it's still early." Alex then chuckles, and starts to change in his usual brown tweeds "Are the others up already?"

"I only saw Mister Bates heading to His Lordship's dressing room, and Miss Baxter head to Her Ladyship's room." Andy replied.

"Perhaps they're going for a walk." Alex said "I suppose I should join them first, since I can't bring my bike."

"You should indeed, milord."

After thanking Andy for the day, he immediately ran down the stairs of Brampton and thankfully caught up both of his parents, who were walking by the entrance.

"Mama, Papa!" he called out, making them notice him "Are you heading out for a walk as well?"

"We are." Cora smiles "I was hoping you'll actually join us, knowing that you wake up early."

"And here I thought it will just be the two of us." Robert teased, earning a gentle slap on the arm from his wife and an eye roll from his son.

As the three strolled around incognito around the village, Cora smiles as her son looks around in awe, having only been to Brampton for the first time. She gently laid her head on her husband's arm, to he in return looks at her.

"You alright?" he said softly.

She looks up at him, and nods "Yes." she replied, before looking at Alex from afar again "Your son seems to be rather enjoying here."