*May 2, 1912 - Downton Abbey*
A week had passed since Kemal Pamuk's shocking death at Downton. The Turkish diplomat's body had been returned to London with appropriate ceremony, Evelyn Napier had departed with somber promises to visit again under happier circumstances, and the household had gradually returned to its normal rhythms.
For Josh, the event had been a sobering reminder of the limits of his foreknowledge. He could change circumstances, redirect actions, but some outcomes seemed fated to occur regardless of his intervention. This realization had left him contemplative, more aware than ever of the responsibility he carried.
But life continued, and Josh had decided to use the relative calm to deepen his connections with the family he would someday lead. Understanding them as individuals, not just as characters from a story he'd once watched, seemed increasingly important.
He rose early on this particular morning, the spring sunshine streaming through his bedroom window at Crawley House. Today, he had arranged to join Robert for his morning walk around the estate—a routine the Earl maintained nearly every day, accompanied only by his dogs.
"You're up with the larks," Isobel commented as Josh appeared in the dining room for breakfast. "Special plans?"
"I'm walking the estate with Lord Grantham," Josh replied, helping himself to eggs and toast. "I want to understand Downton better—not just the house, but the land, the farms, everything that makes it function."
Isobel looked pleased. "That's very sensible. Robert knows every inch of Downton. There's no better guide."
"And afterward, I'm taking tea with Cousin Violet at the Dower House," Josh added casually.
Matthew, who had just entered the room, nearly choked on his coffee. "Voluntarily?" he asked, once he'd recovered. "Are you quite well?"
Josh laughed. "The Dowager Countess isn't as terrifying as she seems."
"She reduces me to stammering every time we meet," Matthew confessed. "Those eyes... it's like she's cataloging every flaw in my character."
"She probably is," Josh agreed cheerfully. "But there's a remarkable woman behind that formidable façade. I'd like to know her better."
"Well, good luck," Matthew said skeptically. "You're braver than I am."
After breakfast, Josh walked to Downton Abbey, enjoying the crisp morning air. The estate was beautiful in early May, with wildflowers dotting the meadows and new leaves unfurling on the ancient oaks. He found himself genuinely looking forward to exploring it with Robert.
The Earl was waiting at the entrance, dressed for walking in tweeds and sturdy boots, his three Labrador retrievers circling excitedly around him.
"Ah, Joshua!" he called, his face lighting up. "Right on time. I hope you're wearing comfortable shoes—I tend to cover quite a bit of ground on these walks."
"I came prepared," Josh assured him, indicating his own practical footwear. "I'm looking forward to seeing more of the estate."
"Good man," Robert said approvingly. He whistled, and a handsome yellow Labrador bounded over to them. "This is Pharaoh," he said fondly, patting the dog's head. "My constant companion on these walks."
Pharaoh approached Josh with friendly curiosity, sniffing his outstretched hand before pressing his head against it for a scratch. Josh obliged, having always loved dogs in both his lives.
"He likes you," Robert observed. "Excellent judge of character, Pharaoh."
They set off down a path that led away from the main house, Pharaoh running ahead and occasionally circling back as if to ensure his humans were keeping up. Robert walked with the confident stride of a man who knew every inch of the land beneath his feet.
"I've been doing this walk for over twenty years," he commented. "Same path, same time, almost every day. Pharaoh and I have our routine."
"It's a beautiful tradition," Josh replied. "And a good way to monitor the estate."
"Exactly!" Robert looked pleased at his understanding. "Many landowners delegate everything to their agents. But how can you truly care for something you don't see with your own eyes?"
"My father said something similar about patients," Josh commented. "That you can't properly heal someone without actually seeing them, not just reading reports about their symptoms."
"Your father sounds like a wise man," Robert said. "I wish I'd known him better."
"He would have liked that too," Josh said truthfully. In this life, Reginald Crawley had been a kind, dedicated physician—much like his fictional counterpart.
As they crested a small hill, affording them a panoramic view of the estate, Josh's mind began cataloging potential improvements almost automatically. The drainage system near the western fields looked inefficient—a redesign could prevent the waterlogging he'd noticed on their walk. Several of the tenant cottages would benefit from better insulation before winter returned. And the estate's reliance on horses for farming seemed increasingly outdated—tractors would soon revolutionize agriculture, and early adoption could give Downton a significant advantage.
"There it is," Robert said with quiet pride. "Downton. Six thousand acres, sixteen tenant farms, and a legacy that stretches back nearly four hundred years." He glanced at Josh. "Someday, all this will be yours to protect."
"It's a sobering thought," Josh admitted, genuinely moved by the vista before him. "There's so much responsibility attached to it."
"There is," Robert agreed. "But there's joy too. The satisfaction of maintaining something greater than yourself, something that will outlast you." He paused, his expression thoughtful. "I've sometimes worried about passing Downton to a distant cousin who might see it merely as a source of income or status. But you... you seem to understand what it truly means."
"I'm trying to," Josh said honestly. "That's why I wanted to walk with you today. To learn from someone who loves this place as it deserves to be loved."
Robert's eyes brightened at this, and he clapped Josh on the shoulder with surprising emotion. "Come along then," he said gruffly. "There's much to show you."
For the next two hours, they traversed the estate, with Robert providing a detailed education on every aspect they encountered. He knew the history of each farm, the names of tenant families going back generations, the challenges specific to different parts of the land. He pointed out boundary markers, explained drainage systems, and identified areas where improvements might be made.
Josh listened attentively, asking questions that showed genuine interest. He was careful not to suggest changes too advanced for the era, but occasionally offered observations that made Robert pause and consider.
"You know," the Earl said after one such exchange, "you have an unusual perspective. A combination of progressive thinking and respect for tradition. I find it... refreshing."
"I believe there's wisdom in both approaches," Josh replied. "The trick is knowing which traditions to preserve and which changes to embrace."
"Precisely!" Robert looked delighted. "That's exactly the balance I've tried to maintain, though I fear Violet would say I lean too far toward progress, while young Sybil would claim the opposite."
They stopped at one of the tenant farms—the Drewe family had worked this land for generations, Robert explained. The current farmer, John Drewe, greeted his lordship with respectful familiarity before turning curious eyes to Josh.
"This is Dr. Crawley," Robert introduced him. "My heir. He's learning about Downton."
"Doctor, is it?" Drewe looked impressed. "We could use more medical men in these parts. Dr. Clarkson does his best, but he's stretched thin."
"I've been helping at the hospital," Josh told him. "It's important work."
"You'll continue your practice even after...?" Drewe gestured vaguely, obviously referring to when Josh would eventually inherit.
"That's my intention," Josh confirmed. "Medicine is my vocation, regardless of my position."
This answer seemed to please both Drewe and Robert. As they continued their walk after a tour of Drewe's fields, Robert brought up the subject again.
"Most men in your position would see medicine as beneath their dignity," he observed. "Especially after inheriting a title."
"I've never understood that perspective," Josh replied. "Helping others is never beneath anyone's dignity. Besides, being useful—truly useful—strikes me as one of life's greatest satisfactions."
"Well said," Robert nodded approvingly. "You remind me a bit of Cora's father, actually. He made his fortune in dry goods—trade, which my mother never lets us forget—but he took genuine pride in creating something of value, not just accumulating wealth."
As they neared the Abbey again, completing their circuit, Robert paused on the rise overlooking the house.
"Thank you for joining me today," he said. "It's usually a solitary ritual, but I've enjoyed having company. Someone who appreciates Downton as I do."
"I should be thanking you," Josh replied sincerely. "For sharing your knowledge. Your perspective."
"Perhaps we could make this a regular occurrence? Not every day, of course, but perhaps weekly?"
"I'd like that very much," Josh agreed, touched by the invitation.
As they approached the house, Mary emerged onto the gravel drive, dressed for riding. She looked surprised to see them together.
"Good morning, Papa. Dr. Crawley," she greeted them. "You're out early."
"Joshua joined me for my morning walk," Robert explained. "He wanted to learn more about the estate."
Mary's eyebrows rose slightly. "How dedicated of you, Dr. Crawley."
"The more I see of Downton, the more fascinating I find it," Josh replied, holding her gaze. "Some treasures reveal their true value only upon closer inspection."
A faint flush colored Mary's cheeks, and she looked away first. "Well, don't let me interrupt your... inspection. I'm off for a ride."
"Enjoy," Josh said. "Perhaps another day you might show me your favorite riding paths? I'm told you know the estate better than anyone."
"Perhaps," she replied, though something in her expression suggested the idea wasn't unwelcome. "Good day, gentlemen."
As she strode toward the stables, Robert gave Josh a thoughtful look. "You and Mary seem to be developing a... rapport."
"She's an intelligent, interesting woman," Josh said carefully. "We enjoy conversation."
"Indeed," Robert murmured, though his expression remained speculative. "Well, I mustn't keep you if you're to meet Mother for tea. Thank you again for joining me this morning."
"The pleasure was mine," Josh assured him. "Until next week?"
With a warm handshake, they parted ways. Josh checked his pocket watch—he had just enough time to return to Crawley House, change, and make his appointment with Violet.
---
The Dower House was a handsome building of golden stone, smaller than Downton Abbey but still impressive in its own right. It sat in well-maintained gardens, a reflection of its occupant's exacting standards in all things.
Josh was admitted by Violet's butler, Spratt, a pompous individual whose disdainful expression suggested that doctors-turned-heirs were a particularly unwelcome category of visitor. He was shown to a drawing room decorated in a style that might charitably be described as "traditional"—heavy furnishings, numerous ornaments, and wallpaper that had likely been fashionable in the 1880s.
Violet herself sat enthroned in a chair positioned to catch the best light while avoiding drafts. She wore purple, as was her custom, and regarded Josh's entrance with keen interest partially disguised as indifference.
"Dr. Crawley," she acknowledged. "How punctual of you. A virtue many of your generation seem to have misplaced, along with proper posture and respect for their elders."
"Lady Grantham," Josh bowed slightly. "Thank you for receiving me. I've been looking forward to our conversation."
"Have you indeed?" Violet's eyebrows rose skeptically. "Most people approach tea with me as they might approach a dental extraction—necessary but dreaded."
Josh smiled. "Perhaps they don't appreciate good conversation as I do."
"Or perhaps they recognize a formidable opponent when they see one," Violet countered, though there was a glint of humor in her eyes. "Do sit down. Spratt will bring tea momentarily, assuming he hasn't sabotaged it out of spite. He disapproves of change, you see, and you represent quite a substantial one."
Josh took a seat across from her. "Change is inevitable, though, isn't it? The question is whether we shape it or are shaped by it."
"My, my. Philosophy before tea?" Violet's eyes narrowed in assessment. "You're either very brave or very foolish. I haven't decided which."
"Perhaps a bit of both," Josh admitted. "Most worthwhile endeavors require elements of each."
Spratt entered with the tea tray, his expression suggesting he was serving hemlock rather than Darjeeling. After he departed, Violet poured with practiced elegance.
"Tell me, Dr. Crawley," she began, handing him a cup, "what prompted this visit? I doubt it was simply a desire for my company, charming though I undoubtedly am."
"Actually, it was precisely that," Josh replied. "I wanted to know you better. You're a crucial part of Downton's history and present. If I'm to understand the legacy I'll someday inherit, I need to understand your perspective on it."
Violet studied him over the rim of her teacup. "How... unexpectedly thoughtful. Most men in your position would be content to wait for me to conveniently expire before asserting their own vision."
"I've never seen the wisdom in ignoring valuable resources," Josh said. "And your knowledge of Downton, its history, its people—that's invaluable to me."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Violet said crisply, though she looked somewhat pleased despite herself. "But since you've asked, I am, of course, happy to enlighten you. What specifically would you like to know?"
"Tell me about when you first came to Downton," Josh suggested. "As a young bride. How did you find it?"
This simple question unlocked a flood of memories. Violet set down her teacup and leaned back in her chair, her eyes distant as she recalled events from decades past.
"I was nineteen," she began. "Terrified, though I would have died rather than show it. The fifth Earl—Robert's father—was a formidable man, with very definite ideas about how things should be done. And his mother, the previous Dowager, made me look positively progressive by comparison."
Josh listened with genuine fascination as Violet recounted her early days at Downton—the challenges she'd faced, the traditions she'd navigated, the gradual process of making her mark on the great house and its people. She spoke of difficult harvests and grand parties, of births and deaths, of the slow transformation from nervous bride to confident Countess.
"The house was different then," she recalled. "Darker, more austere. Cora brought light when she married Robert—an American quality, perhaps. Though I'd never admit this to her, some of her changes were for the better."
"And now you watch another generation prepare to take the reins," Josh observed. "It must be strange to see the cycle repeating."
"Strange?" Violet considered this. "Perhaps. But there's a certain... comfort in the continuity. Knowing that Downton endures, even as individuals come and go." She fixed him with a penetrating gaze. "Which brings us to you, Dr. Crawley. The unexpected heir. Tell me, how do you envision your role in Downton's future?"
It was a loaded question, and Josh knew it. His answer would reveal much about himself, his values, his understanding of the responsibility he would someday shoulder.
"I see myself as a steward more than an owner," he said carefully. "My duty would be to preserve what makes Downton special—its heritage, its community—while ensuring it can adapt to a changing world."
"Adapt how, precisely?" Violet pressed. "Some believe adaptation means abandoning everything that defines us."
"I don't share that view," Josh assured her. "Tradition provides stability, continuity. But rigidity leads to breakage. The key is finding the balance—knowing which traditions are essential to Downton's identity and which are merely... habitual."
"That sounds very fine in theory," Violet said with a skeptical lift of her eyebrow. "But what specific adaptations would you propose?"
Josh had anticipated this question. "For one, modernizing the estate's agricultural methods. Mechanization is coming, whether we embrace it or not. The farms that adopt new equipment first will have significant advantages."
"Machines instead of men?" Violet looked dubious. "The relationship between lord and tenant is at the heart of estates like Downton."
"Which is precisely why we should help our tenants transition," Josh countered. "Provide training, perhaps even shared equipment at first. The relationship needn't change, only the methods."
Violet considered this. "Go on."
"The estate's financial structure could be diversified," Josh continued carefully. "Relying solely on agricultural income leaves Downton vulnerable to bad harvests or market fluctuations. Strategic investments could provide stability while maintaining the estate's traditional character."
"You sound like a banker rather than a doctor," Violet observed, though without disapproval.
"Medicine taught me to look for multiple solutions to complex problems," Josh replied. "And to consider both immediate needs and long-term health."
"And what of the house itself? The staff? Would you modernize those as well?"
"Sensibly," Josh assured her. "Electricity throughout the house would reduce fire risks from gas lamps and candles. Better heating would make the house more efficient and comfortable. As for staff—their roles may evolve, but the need for their expertise won't disappear. The dignity of service isn't diminished by making their duties less physically punishing."
Violet's expression remained neutral, but something in her eyes suggested approval. "You speak like a man who has thought deeply about these matters."
"I have," Josh confirmed. "Both as a doctor and as Downton's heir. In medicine, we must constantly balance traditional wisdom with new discoveries. The same principle applies to estates like Downton."
"A curious analogy," Violet remarked. "Though not without merit. And what of the family? How do you see your role among the Crawleys?"
"Family is the heart of Downton," Josh replied. "Without that living connection—that sense of belonging to something larger than oneself—the house would be just stones and mortar, however beautiful."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I hope to earn my place in the family through respect and genuine care, not just legal entitlement. That's one reason I wanted to speak with you today. To understand the values that have guided the Crawleys through generations."
"Well," Violet said after a moment, "you're certainly more eloquent than I expected. Whether your actions will match your words remains to be seen, of course."
"Of course," Josh agreed with a smile. "Judge me by what I do, not what I say."
"Oh, I intend to," Violet assured him. She set down her teacup decisively. "Now, do you play chess, Dr. Crawley?"
The abrupt change of subject caught him by surprise. "I do, as a matter of fact."
"Good. Spratt!" She called for her butler, who appeared with remarkable speed. "Bring the chess set from the library. Dr. Crawley has unwisely admitted to playing, and I intend to test his strategic thinking."
As Spratt arranged the chess set on a small table between them, Violet's eyes glinted with competitive spirit. "I should warn you," she said, "I've been playing since before your father was born. I've defeated ambassadors, generals, and a minor German prince."
"Consider me duly intimidated," Josh replied, helping to set up the pieces. "Though I should mention that chess was a particular passion of mine at university. I find it... illuminating."
"As do I," Violet agreed. "One learns more about a person from an hour of chess than a month of conversation. Shall we begin?"
What followed was one of the most challenging chess matches Josh had ever played. Violet was a formidable opponent—strategic, patient, and surprisingly creative in her approach. She played with the confidence of decades of experience, setting subtle traps and forcing him to think several moves ahead.
Josh matched her move for move, using techniques he'd learned in both lifetimes. He was careful not to win too easily—that would be suspicious for someone his age—but he played well enough to earn Violet's grudging respect.
"Check," he said, after nearly an hour of play.
Violet studied the board, her expression intent. After a moment, she tipped over her king with a graceful finger. "And mate in three moves," she acknowledged. "Well played, Dr. Crawley. Few opponents force me to concede."
"It was a closely fought match," Josh said truthfully. "You nearly had me with that sacrifice of your bishop."
"You saw through it," Violet observed. "Most don't." She leaned back in her chair, studying him with new interest. "You play as you speak—carefully, thoughtfully, but with occasional boldness. It's... not unimpressive."
Coming from Violet, this was high praise indeed. Josh inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you. I've enjoyed our game immensely."
"As have I," Violet admitted. "It's rare to find a worthy opponent these days. Robert tries, but his mind wanders. And the younger generation seems to prefer more... frivolous pastimes."
"Perhaps we could make this a regular event?" Josh suggested. "Chess and conversation."
Violet considered this, then nodded decisively. "Every other Tuesday, I think. Not weekly—that would suggest excessive familiarity. But fortnightly maintains a proper balance of interest and propriety."
"Fortnightly it is," Josh agreed, pleased with this development. "I look forward to it."
As he prepared to leave, Violet fixed him with one final, penetrating gaze. "You're not what I expected, Dr. Crawley," she said. "When I heard a middle-class doctor from Manchester would inherit Downton, I prepared for the worst. But you..." She paused, seemingly choosing her words with care. "You understand things that I did not expect you to understand."
"Such as?" Josh prompted.
"Tradition. Duty. The weight of history." She straightened in her chair. "You see Downton not merely as a grand house to possess, but as a legacy to preserve. That is... reassuring."
"The highest compliment I could hope for," Josh replied sincerely. "Thank you, Lady Grantham."
"Violet," she corrected, surprising him. "When we are alone, you may call me Violet. Though not in company, mind you. There are standards to maintain."
Josh smiled, recognizing this for the significant concession it was. "Thank you, Violet. And please, call me Joshua."
"We'll see," she replied, unwilling to concede too much in one afternoon. "You've won one chess match, not the entire tournament."
As Josh walked back to Crawley House in the late afternoon sunshine, he reflected on the day's conversations. He had gained valuable insights into both Robert and Violet—their perspectives, their values, their hopes and fears for Downton. More importantly, he had begun to build genuine relationships with them, connections based on mutual respect rather than mere obligation.
He thought about Violet's unexpected invitation to regular chess matches, Robert's inclusion in his morning walks. Small steps, perhaps, but significant ones. He was no longer just the unexpected heir from Manchester—he was becoming part of the family, earning his place through more than legal entitlement.
The game was becoming deeper, more complex, more rewarding than he had initially imagined. And Josh found himself genuinely looking forward to getting to know the rest of the family with equal care and attention.
Ahead of him lay conversations with Cora and Edith, Sybil and Mary—each presenting different challenges, different opportunities for connection. But today had been a promising start, an indication that his approach was working.
As Crawley House came into view, Josh smiled to himself. His second chance at life was proving to be even more rewarding than he had hoped—not just in terms of position or influence, but in the rich tapestry of relationships he was building, one conversation at a time.