The Second Crawley Bride

Sybil

The next day, Lilly was walking alongside George, both wearing white to match with the others, as they were walking around in the village hall with the others, looking at the various flowers. By the time they were at Mr. Molesley's table, they all were awed by his display of roses, causing Robert to exclaim,

"My word, Molesley, splendid roses, as usual. Well done."

The elderly man looked grateful by the compliment, and stated, "Thank you, Your Lordship."

Lilly and George watched the Dowager Countess with amusement as she huffed a little,

"All stalls are set out very well this year."

Cora just smiled tightly towards Molesley, wishing that someone could do something about the older woman's feud with Isobel, asking the man,

"This is enchanting. Do we grow this?"

The man answered quickly, "I doubt if you got that one, Your Ladyship. I've only just found it myself."

Cora had a slight mischievous look in her eye, which matched her tone as she kindly asked,

"Is it a secret, or could you tell Mr. Brocket?"

The man looked shocked, along with his son by his side, causing George to snicker, as the elder Molesley answered,

"I'd be glad to, milady."

Cora nodded in thanks, stating, "He should come and see the rose garden. He could give us some ideas."

Meanwhile, Robert watched with warm eyes, as George was trying to snag a flower for Lilly, who merely put it back quickly. Robert was surprised at how dexterous she was, quickly and quietly setting the various flowers down to their rightful place without being caught by the owner of the booth. But all he could do was return his attention to his wife, who he responded with,

"Old Molesley's a champion. Or he would be in a fairer world."

Violet happened to have heard that as she looked crossly at her son, whispering to him,

"Don't you start."

But of course, it wasn't Isobel if she had not heard that as well. She sharply turned her head to face Robert, stating,

"I'm afraid I've been annoying Cousin Violet on that score."

Robert sighed out loud, not liking where this was going, as his mother stated in a matter-of-fact tone,

"If Molesley deserves first prize for his flowers, the judges will give it to him."

Robert fought off the urge roll his eyes at that, reacting to his mother's comment with a,

"They wouldn't dare."

Violet glared at her son, not being able to hide it from her irritation at being accused of something she was sure, wasn't true, answering,

"Really, Robert, you make me so annoyed. Isn't it possible I should win the thing on merit?"

Robert noticed George and Lilly watching the scene with interest, as he sighed smugly,

"I think the appropriate answer to that, Mama, is 'Yes, dear'."

Violet bristled at that before walking on a little more ahead from the group. Lilly shook her head as she studied the flowers. Each and every one of them had their own beauty, and she studied the strange flowers. George merely let her grasp his arm tightly, as she looked at them all in awe.

Eventually, when it was time for the announcements or the winners, George noticed his brother talking with Lady Mary. He sighed, seeing the feelings Matthew had for the woman, but was hesitant to act on after the hurt he had felt the other night. Once the runner-ups got their awards, everyone applauded. Lilly and George looked up in interest as Violet finally called out,