The Governess of Locksley
Canon except for Anthony and Edith have never met, he doesn't know the Crawley family, Maude died in childbirth but a daughter survived, busy raising his daughter alone is why Anthony doesn't recognize the Crawley name.
Clearly I own nothing, except for the OC that will by Anthony's daughter and his home staff.
I had always thought that running away was a romantic notion. To wait until the house fell dark and silent before pulling out the previously packed case from beneath my bed. Skipping the third step on the second flight of stairs to avoid the creak. Finally out the front door and down the main drive towards the road.
My… former home held no happy memories for me. I suspect that's why I found it so easy to leave. My parents wouldn't understand, nor Mary. Sybil would have, my sweet little sister and only ally had died. Leaving me quite alone in the hallowed halls of our childhood home. As long as I remained there I would remain a child.
Perhaps it was her passing or all of her widower Tom's talk of independence and revolution… whatever the cause, I knew that tonight was the night. It was time to free myself.
Walking down the darken road I wondered how long until they noticed my departure. In a few hours Anna would arrive to help me dress but find me gone. My letter would undoubtedly go unnoticed for the moment as the good Mrs. Bates would assume that I've dressed myself and went down to breakfast. Father and Tom would assume that I decided to take my meal in bed. In truth, no one would notice until lunch.
My letter will either put minds at ease or prompt them to release the hounds. Although why they should bring me back just to be on the receiving end of Mary's bitterness and mama and papa's grief is beyond the realm of my understanding. Could anyone truly blame me? How could one remain in a house full of people that wished you had died in lieu of those loved more.
Yes, it was most certainly the right time to leave Downton.
For six days I had managed to remain undiscovered. Nestled away in the village inn, I did my very best to go unnoticed. No unnecessary trips out, meals taken at strange hours, keeping to my room. For once it proved helpful to be the plain, inconsequential middle daughter of Robert and Cora Crawley. Of course this façade would become difficult to maintain if I couldn't pay for another week's stay.
Occupation always had a different definition in my childhood home. There we were meant to occupy our time until marriage and children came along. Until then we had lessons in English, mathematics, a bit of science, an abundance of history. There were French and piano lessons as well as the proper behaviors for polite society. All required to give us the appearance of well rounded, properly brought up children. Appearance was all that ever seemed to matter to my family.
As I examined the adverts in the newspaper I quickly became aware of how ill-equipped I truly was for work. All but one advert struck me…
Required: Governess for eight year old girl.
Basic subjects as well as etiquette.
Interviews to be held 3rd Aug at Locksley Manor.
I suddenly found myself with high hopes for Locksley.
Following chapters will be longer, just wanted to get the introduction up.