The Life of Viscount Downton [Book 1]

XLIX

During their afternoon tea time, Martha Levinson was being introduced to the other members of the family, when they all saw Violet finally arriving in the scene

"Violet!" she then said as she saw the Dowager Countess "How lovely to see you again!"

"Quite lovely indeed" Violet then puts on her best smile "Welcome back to Downton"

Martha opens her arms and embraces Violet, who stands there accepting it awkwardly. She steps back with a smile, to which the latter returns the gesture

"Oh! The last time I went here, you weren't that quite welcoming. I'm surprised!"

"People change as the years past by. Especially when you have modern thinking grandchildren in your midst"

Martha laughs softly "Well thank goodness for our grandchildren, then"

She then pats both Violet's arms before heading back to join the rest of the family in the settees and chairs. Violet gently shakes her head in disapproval, and follows shortly after

***

"How's America, Grandmama?" Mary then asks as they all settled down "Is it still treating you well?"

"Newport never fails, Darling. In fact, you should all visit there someday" Martha replied "In that way, you could all meet your cousins on your mother's side of the family too. They've been meaning to meet you three"

"If Granny will allow us, then we will all go there" Alex teased, earning a slightly disappointed look from Violet

"By the way, here are my gifts for the three of you" Martha then gave them three medium-sized boxes that Barrow that had just brought from upstairs

"I hope I have chosen well in what you like. After all, I did ask you to write to me your requests"

The three siblings looked at one another in surprised, and quickly opened the boxes. Their shocked expression indicated that all got what they have truly requested months ago

Mary got a beautiful sapphire necklace and earring set, which was custom-made for her by one of the most famous jewelers in America: Tiffany & Co.

Edith got a beautiful set of new gold-embellished fountain pens, also custom-made for her by Faber-Castell. The pens also had engravements for her name and title on its barrels

And finally, Alex got the camera of his dreams: the No.1 Autographic Kodak Junior. The camera itself was a rare one to find, as it was the first in the few special models of Autographic Jr. series. The camera was made by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York

"Goodness me, Mama" Cora then said as her children were still speechless as they all carefully admire and handle their gifts "Aren't those quite expensive?"

"Expensive to you, yes" her mother answered "But since I have quite a lot of money for myself, I wouldn't find anything to worth investing it more than to my own grandchildren"

"Oh, Grandmama..." Alex said "I think these are the best gifts we ever received so far!"

"And the most expensive ones as well!" Edith added

"Thank you very much, Grandmama" Mary said on their behalf "Really, just...thank you"

"You are most welcome, my dearest grandchildren" Martha smiles proudly at them, while Violet looks on, both surprised and in awe at the same time

"Now I believe I have a gift for you as well, Violet"

Violet was surprised "For me? Are you quite sure about that?"