Chapter Text
The first scene we see is Mary wandering around the lobby of a high-end hotel on the beach and looking out the windows while Henry checks them in. A bellhop approaches while she is turned the other way, saying, “Mrs. Talbot, are these the bags to be taken to your room?” She doesn’t answer immediately, but Henry has come up to them and so he replies: “Yes, thank you.” Mary turns, smiling, and doesn’t seem to realize that she was being addressed. Mary: “Is our room ready?” Henry: “Yes…Are you alright, Mary?” They begin walking toward the lift or stairway. Mary: “Yes, quite! Why do you ask?” Henry: “The bellhop just asked about taking our bags, and you didn’t respond.” Mary: “I’m sorry…I didn’t—(she cuts herself off)—Oh! Heavens! I have been referred to as Mary Crawley all of my life; it may take some adjustment for me to get used to being Mrs. Talbot. I’ll be honest that was one aspect of marrying Matthew that was rather convenient.” Henry, pauses for a moment, considering something: “Would you like to keep Crawley as your last name? It would be unconventional, but…” Mary, surprised: “Golly! That would be something, wouldn’t it! Granny would be absolutely scandalized. (Small pause while she considers this) No, while that is the type of modern thinking that I love in you, I would not want anyone to think I was not proud to be your wife.” Henry: “Oh, we would be able to handle any naysayers. But, if you are sure… (Mary nods), then I’ll admit it does please me, Mrs. Talbot .” They have arrived at their room and we see them opening the door and entering. End of scene.
Later, we see the couple walking along the boardwalk or at the water, afternoon. Henry: “Tonight’s performance should be excellent—I hear they have done a bang-up job of bringing entertainment here to the Pier. Some are even on par with London.” Mary: “I am looking forward to it. (pause) Henry, I know we talked about this before, but are you sure you are ready to give up city life? Downton is very different than the hustle, bustle, and nightlife of London.” Henry: “True, but are you questioning whether I am ready to settle down? Isn’t it a little late for that--what choice do I have?” Mary: “But that’s my point—will you feel trapped in a while? If the tables were turned, I should think I might.” Henry: “I’ll admit that the changes in my life will be fairly drastic, and perhaps when the dust settles I will start to get antsy. But let me assure you that I want to be with you and George.” Mary, smiling: “Thank you for including George. (she laughs a little) Don’t forget the rest of the family…” Henry, laughing with her: “Thankfully Tom and I get along well; I appreciate it that he shares my love of automobiles.” Henry looks a little sadly pensive. Mary: “What is it?” Henry: “Oh, I was just thinking that Tom is a little like Charlie. (pause) I miss him, especially his humor. He would have been happy for us.” They walk for a little bit more. End of the scene.
Later, first we see Mary and Henry dressed up and entering the theatre, and taking their seats. The next scene is when they are heading out to the lobby for intermission, and Mary goes to the ladies lounge. As Henry is waiting, we hear someone call out, “Henry Talbot! Good to see you!” Henry: “Why, Hello, Richard! How are you doing?” The camera moves so that we see Sir Richard Carlisle approaching.
Richard: “I am doing well, thank you. Are you like me, getting away from the oppressiveness of a London summer for a couple of days, enjoying a bit of sea air?” Henry: “Yes, but actually, I am on my honeymoon.” Richard: “Your honeymoon?! I hadn’t heard you were engaged!” Henry, smiling: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind. We met last year, and started seeing more of each other a few months ago. After Charlie’s accident, I had a sense of urgency to resolve things in my life. There just didn’t seem to be any reason to wait to marry, and thankfully I convinced her, too. This is her second marriage, so it was just a small family affair.” Richard: “Congratulations! Where is your bride?” Henry, nodding in the direction of the ladies’ lounge: “She’ll be out soon.”
Richard: “My sympathies, by the way, on Charlie’s death. I’ve been meaning to be in touch with you. The paper has gotten such a tremendous response to the eulogy you wrote about him that we published—it was very poignant, and well written. We’re always on the lookout for people who can elicit that type of reaction. Not only does it sell papers, it’s proof to our advertisers that people are actually reading the paper. I was wondering if you might consider doing a column for us, say, on automobiles in general as well as racing. What do you say?” Henry, intrigued: “Hmm, now that sounds rather enticing…yes, I think that would be enjoyable.” Richard: “Excellent! I’ll alert my office to make arrangements. Contact us upon your return.”
Mary approaches, but from the direction of Richard’s back, so she doesn’t see the face of the man Henry is talking to. Henry: “Ah, here she is—Sir Richard Carlisle, allow me to introduce you to Lady Mary Talbot.” As Richard turns around, we see both Mary’s and Richard’s expressions go to almost unpleasant surprise. Mary recovers first: “Carlisle and I are already acquainted, although it has been several years. I hope you are doing well.” Richard: “I am doing splendid. I would ask the same, Mary, but the answer is obvious!” Mary, turning to Henry: “Recall we discussed our respective pasts, but we never mentioned specifics…Richard and I were engaged at one point, before Matthew.” Henry, looking a little surprised: “Oh!” Richard: “Unfortunately for me, Mary decided it wouldn’t work out for us after all.” Mary, smiling a little: “But Richard was a perfect gentleman about it.” Richard: “You are a lucky man, Henry!” Henry: “That I do know.” The lights blink for the start of the next act of the performance. Richard: “Congratulations again! It was good to see you--enjoy your holiday! (to Henry) Remember to be in touch!”
The next scene is back at the hotel later: Mary is out on the balcony overlooking the beach, dressed for bed, holding a glass of wine or champagne. There are two chaise lounge chairs as well as a café table and chairs. The table has Henry’s glass and the bottle on it. There are French doors into their suite. Henry, in his robe, turns off the lights in the room and comes out to join her. He takes his glass and stands close at her side so they both have one arm around each other, looking out to the ocean. Mary: “Sorry if it made you uncomfortable earlier, with Carlisle.” Henry: “I think you two were more uncomfortable than I was.” Mary: “How do you know him?” Henry: “We’ve known each other for years. Racing is entertainment for viewers as much as it is sport for drivers. Naturally, that means a connection to newspapers. I suppose we’ve just been in similar circles.” Mary, nodding in understanding: “I feel like we should tell each other more about our past relationships, to avoid such situations in the future.” Henry takes both of their glasses and puts them down, wrapping her in his arms: “That is up to you…but, later. Right now I would rather you not think about Carlisle...” He kisses her forehead. “... or Napier...” He kisses her neck by her ear. “...or Gillingham…” Mary looks surprised, since she hasn't told him, but Henry kisses her neck on the other side. “...or Blake.” He kisses her on the lips. End of scene.