The Life of Viscount Downton [Book 1]

XLVIII

"Is there anything else, milord?"

"That will be all for now, Andy. Thank you"

Alex smiles softly as Andy slightly bows his head down to him before exiting his room

As he looks back at his mirror, he sighed heavily to himself. He wasn't still alright after the events from last night

He hasn't slept well, mostly due to overthinking about what he has done and regretting every decision. He hits himself gently in the head in the process, and blames himself for ruining such a good night

They were right for teasing him to death, if he was honest to himself. He's just a stupid young boy who has feelings for his lady friend and can't admit his feelings to her

Alex shakes his head away from his thoughts, and wears his glasses before heading out of his room

At the same time, Mary and Edith just got out of their rooms and was about to head downstairs as well

The three of them then all saw one another in the gallery, their smiles slowly turning into frowns

"Alex" the two women said unison

"Sisters" Alex said in return

The three of them were surrounded by a rather awkward silence, before Mary spoke up again

"We're....we're sorry about what happened last night" she said to him "We didn't really mean to cross the line that far"

"We shouldn't have pushed you that far as well. We should know that by now, but we clearly didn't keep that in mind last night" Edith added "Can you...forgive us?"

Alex looked at them for a moment. As much as he wants to despise them for the next few days, he is not that kind of person

He never can bury anger at the people that he loves, especially when it comes to his dearest sisters

"Of course, I forgive both of you" he then finally said, slowly smiling "I never would, and I never could, despise my dear sisters"

Mary and Edith then both sighed in relief, barely noticing Alex running towards them to give a hug

They were surprised, but chuckled softly and hugs their little brother back

"Do you really forgive us?" Mary then said as they pulled away "Just to make sure"

Alex laughs softly "Yes, I do truly forgive both of you. Unless...you don't want me to-"

"No! Please. Just...no"

"Very well then. Because I don't really know what I'd do if I am still going to be angry at you two"

"Well then, why don't we all face the family together?" Edith asks them "As if nothing happened?"

Alex raises an eyebrow "Don't we always do that every time something bad happened to us?"

"Yes. And by now, we all are now experts on that matter" Mary smiles, making all of them chuckle again

They all smiled happily at one another for a moment, until-

"Last one downstairs is a smelly cat!" Alex bolts towards the stairs, but quickly stops halfway "Except you Edith, because you're pregnant and all"

"That's not fair!!" Mary shouted and tries to catch up with him, who was now sliding down the handrail

"Go beat her, Alex!" Edith laughs, jogging a little to catch up with them

***

Meanwhile, most of the family are already eating at the dining hall when they heard them shouting from the distance