Sitting on her bed, Ms. O'Brien held the letter in her hand. Twirling her braid, she contemplated the pros and cons. For nearly ten years, Ms. O'Brien had worked for Lady Grantham. Could she really give it all up?
Two weeks ago, Ms. O'Brien had received a letter in the mail. Recently, she had not acquired many letters at all. Overjoyed, she hastily opened the letter.
Dear Ms. O'Brien,
I am writing to you today about a position available. My Lady's maid has been dismissed and I am looking for a replacement. When you came a few months back I was remarkably impressed with your work and I would relish having you work for me. The pay will be good as well. Please contact me soon and tell me your answer.
Sincerely,
Susan Flincher
If she accepted, she would have to leave Downton Abbey. Could she do it? Could she leave Lady Grantham after all of the work it took for Lady Grantham to be wrapped around her finger. All night long, Ms. O'Brien pondered her decision.
Finally, she had come to a conclusion. No matter how much Lady Grantham admired her, nothing could erase the horrible memory of her grave sin. Every day, Ms. O'Brien has to look at that tub, hand her Ladyship her soap, and all of those memories flood back at her like an ocean of lies. Her choice became simple: stay in a house where her job was based on a lie, or start over fresh with no lie in sight.
Stepping out of bed, Ms. O'Brien packed her bags. She headed down to Mr. Carson's office and placed her notice. Abruptly, she called a cab and headed on the 9:00 o'clock train to a new life.