(this story has mentions of abuse and alcoholism. If you don't like don't read. Thank you!)
The middle aged man walked through the village purposefully as he thought about the two children that needed a home. He knew his trip was a long shot. He knew there was a possibility that the family would not want the two children. Most families of their rank wouldn't want the children. Not after hearing their history.
Once he got on the driveway and walked towards the large estate he tried to once again think of the best way to explain to the family the situation. Would they even believe him? He really hoped so especially with the pictures he carried in his briefcase. If only he could give this family better news. But alas what is done is done and the most important thing was to find the two children a home.
Once the man reached the large front door of the estate he readied himself for difficult visit. He knocked steadily as he took another deep breath. He was nervous but those children were relying on him to help them. And their mother. Well he hoped the separation would straighten her out.
A tall stern looking man opened the door. "May I help you?" he asked in a low baritone voice.
The visitor tilted his head in a greeting before speaking. "I need to speak with Lord and Lady Grantham." he announced. "My name is William Brown. I'm with family services."
The stern looking man raised an eyebrow. "Have you an appointment?" he asked unsure what a man of his profession would need with his employers.
Mr. Brown held the briefcase tightly. "No. I am here about their daughter. A Lady Edith Crawley." he said.
The stern looking man looked wide eyed for a moment before leading the man to the parlor where the family were having their tea. He had no idea what this man had to do with Lady Edith. But knowing how much her family and honestly the staff missed her and worried about her letting the man in only seemed right.
Once inside the parlor he cleared his throat. "Your lordship and ladyship. A Mr. William Brown from family services is here to see you. He claims it is about Lady Edith." he said.
There was a collective gasp before the Earl collected himself and nodded for the man to be let in.
The younger man in the room instructed the nanny to take the children to the nursery as he and his sister-in-law were just as eager to hear what this man had to say.
Mr. Brown entered the room and stood by the couch where the family sat.
The Earl introduced his family and had the man sit in a chair across from them.
Mr. Brown gave a strained smile. "I am here today about your daughter Edith Crawley. Well more specifically about her daughters, Marigold and Lillian." he started.
Robert Crawley frowned. "I know my daughter was with child when she left but I didn't realize she had two children." he said.
Cora Crawley frowned. "Where is Edith?" she asked.
Mr. Brown nodded. "Yes. She has two daughter. Marigold is 7 while Lillian is 4. She is as of today living in a small apartment in London. Her daughters however were taken from her 2 years ago after their father died and she began drinking." he explained.
Mary furrowed her eyebrows. "You took her kids away? Why?" she asked. She had never heard of such a thing before.
Mr. Brown sighed. "Her daughters were taken from her after she was found unconscious from alcohol in an alley. Since she didn't have a stable home address or job it was decided that the children were better off in foster care. Unfortunately the foster care system is not very good as all of the families the girls were placed in were not kind to them." he said to the shell shocked family.
Cora let out a sob while Robert put an arm around her shoulders to try and calm her down although he also shook.
Tom frowned. "How do we know you're telling us the truth? That doesn't sound like Edith at all." he said truthfully. He hated to see his family upset and if it was all a cruel he would put a stop to it.
Mr. Brown opened his briefcase and handed Tom three photos.
Tom held the photos in his hand and sagged as he saw that it was the truth. He handed them to Mary who gasped. One photo showed a homely looking woman that was without a doubt her sister. While one photo showed a picture of a small girl with Edith's face and the other photo was of a smaller girl with Edith's hair. There was no mistaking who those people were. Mary handed the photos back to Mr. Brown. She knew her parents would not take the photos well at all.
Mr. Brown took them and put them back in his briefcase. "The reason I am here is because the girls need a more permanent home. Their mother is not allowed to have them until she has a stable home and income. I was hoping you would take the girls in." he said hopefully.
(this is AU! Downton Abbey is owned by Julienne Fellows. Read and Review!)