Well, my first update in the GWTW Community in...a while.

Very big Downton fan now, so I decided to give this a try and weave a GWTW story based on the TV show. Quite proud of this interlude, actually.

Reviews are lovely. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey or GWTW. Downton belongs to Julian Fellowes, and GWTW is property of the Margaret Mitchell estate. Since I am not associated with either of these people/organizations, I cannot claim them to be mine (no matter how much I sorely wish they were).

Interlude: Introduction from the Author

Downtara Castle is a beautiful estate, what with its pure magnolia-white exterior walls of alabaster and sweeping gravel drive. One cannot help but be mesmerized by its gleaming splendor. There are many rooms (105 in all), and one is easily entranced by its comfortable lifestyle; it is not at all ostentatious, but there have been times when a guest's jaw would drop to the floor as his eyes took in the grand house. The gardens are plentiful with the finest roses of Downtara Village.

Downtara resides in the noble English land of Kensington, a land where fairytales and myths have been believed to originate. Endless forests provide the perfect rendezvous for lovers. Dusty trails of pebbles and gravel weave throughout the village. One can consider it a "yellow brick road" of sorts; as long as the pupil follows wooden signs and the paths, they can easily find their way. Many shops and businesses are in the village: dress shops that the Ladies of Downtara go to for fittings, blacksmiths, a newspaper press (many controversial stories have been brewing there as of late), bakeries, a farmer's market (only on Tuesdays), a butcher shop, silversmith, and even a toy shoppe. It in itself seems to be a daydream, a mysterious land of such beauty and integrity.

The success of such a place is a result of the long line of O'Haras whom have carried the land for decades. The current Earl of Kensington is Gerald O'Hara. He is a fine man (one many admire greatly), and his pride for Downtara resonates throughout the lands on which he treads upon. Though he stands at a height of six feet and three inches, he is one of the shorter O'Hara descendants; his brothers used to tease him often of the height he lacked while they boasted about their "prouder" stature.

When he was 24 years of age, Gerald met an American woman named Ellen Robbilard. Ellen was a pretty woman; her French elegance was represented in both her feminine features and dress. Her father was a rich banker whom worked in New York. Ellen had grown up in the city, but soon found refuge in Atlanta.

At the time, Downtara was at risk of being sold since the O'Haras were quickly running out of money. They all were spenders, and were also buried heavily in debt. Late-night poker games were played by most of the O'Hara men. Unfortunately, the O'Haras were legendary for their poor judgments in the game. And, of course, they were all very fond of brandy. Therefore, with the high prices of brandy and cigars, in addition to the costly poker matches, the O'Haras were in trouble.

Gerald was horribly distressed, and soon grew desperate. The O'Haras were all very proud of Downtara; therefore, when Gerald had taken over, he didn't want to be the "failure" of the family. For, you see, keeping Downtara was almost like a tradition of sorts for the O'Haras. It was their child, their pride and joy. Letting it be demolished into rubble would be a most horrendous sin. No doubt, the O'Hara responsible would become shunned and "stained with the traitorous mark of evil that God has bestowed upon his head". That being stated, he naturally wanted to find some way of obtaining the money as quickly as possible.

When the two met, it was merely by coincidence. They were both at a local theatre in York. The Swedish opera singer, Christine Daaé, was holding a concert in remembrance of her tutor (the mysterious Le fantôme de l'Opéra) whom had once resided in the Paris Opera House.

Before the concert had begun, Gerald was frantically searching for his seat; he did not usually come to an outing such as this, but his mother had insisted.

"Oh, do go, Gerald. You might as well grow accustomed to such middle-class activities."

Ellen had simply cast a glance his way. Knowing who he was, she could not help but let out a tiny gasp. The future Lord Kensington was just several feet away from her! She had never imagined such an event ever occurring in her rather ordinary life! Seeing that he was a bit frazzled (perhaps men and women of such high standings did not visit the theatre often), she took a steadying breath and walked over to him.

"Do you need assistance with the seating arrangements?"

Gerald glanced up at the woman.

Judging from her tinny accent, he immediately could conclude that she was American. However, that factor was not what had sparked his interest. His breath might have slightly hitched after gazing upon her handsome features, but it was not the major reason.

Diamond earrings.

A crystal necklace.

The fine-woven silk dress.

Her lace cap donned upon her head.

Bejeweled hair accessories holding her hair in a neat bun.

He saw money in Ellen.

Before he knew it, a "devious" plan was unfolding in his mind. This woman could be the answer to all of his problems.

So, that is how the courtship started. The two began to talk aimlessly (even a bit during Daaé's famed "Think of Me" aria from Hannibal). They were both smitten; Gerald by her looks and fortune, Ellen by his attentiveness and kindness.

In the weeks following the concert, the pair saw more and more of each other. Ellen's father found Gerald suspicious of greed, but Ellen's mother stood against her husband and declared him to be a perfect gentleman. Gerald's mother was strongly opposed to the courtship as well. Roseanne O'Hara was no fool; she could tell what her son's plans were. Even if the money did save Downtara, the woman from whom it was coming from would not be admirable in the aristocracy. In her eyes, Americans had not the slightest clue about the importance of traditions that needed to be upheld.

Despite disapproval from both parties, the two married in the month of May. It was quite a grand affair at the cathedral; many guests from both sides were mingling with each other uncomfortably. The pair was a handsome one: Gerald had looked quite dashing in a traditional tuxedo while Ellen donned a dress with fine lace trimmings and jewels.

As she walked down the aisle, all whom were gathered could not keep their sights off of her. All of her movements were graceful and elegant; no doubt that she would make the perfect aristocratic wife of Lord Kensington. Her hair was done up in a tight chignon with ivory flower hair pieces holding it together. The veil was made of Parisian silk. Her mother's cross necklace was dangling around her neck. Pearl earrings fitted her ears comfortably. She was a dazzling sight, and all barriers between the two parties were suddenly invisible.

After they were wed, they proceeded to a large banquet at the Château au Grande ballroom. There the couple danced, drank exquisite champagne, and conversed with guests. The ballroom seemed to become more enchanted during the time. Moonlight had streamed in through the high-arched windows, casting an eerie glow about the pair. At midnight, the two left in their carriage. They soon had a long and happy honeymoon in Paris.

As the saying goes, the rest is history.

They have three daughters: Katie "Scarlett" O'Hara, Suellen O'Hara, and Carreen O'Hara. The three O'Hara sisters were all beautiful and prim, yet very different in how they chose to carry out their lives.

Katie Scarlett (more commonly referred to as just "Scarlett") is the eldest of the three. She is the "perfect" representation of an aristocrat: men called upon on her more often than on her younger sisters, she had perfect posture, she is as stubborn as a mule, and she performs tasks with the accuracy and propriety necessary. Her waist is the tiniest in the household, and her figure is modestly seductive. More than once, she has had her fair share of the beginnings of inappropriate behavior with men.

Suellen O'Hara is the middle child. Her features are child-like and mousy. Though she is always striving to be up-to-date with all of the latest fashions, Suellen always comes off a bit…plain. She is said to have a longing for a fairytale-like romance, but always is cut short of such proposals. Men of her acquaintance always prefer Scarlett. The thought that she might be doomed to be a spinster is rather depressing, and no doubt that it scares her a bit as well.

Careen O'Hara is the youngest daughter. She is a quiet creature whom enjoys reading novels in her spare time. However, she is also a very strong-minded and independent girl. She enjoys reading about "unladylike" activities (i.e. politics). Careen has not had many suitors, but then again, she has not yet come out for her Season. By no means is she chubby in the slightest, but she does have a slightly thicker waist than her elder sisters. Unlike her sisters, Careen strives to be very ladylike and polite in public.

Lady Scarlett and Lady Suellen are always bashing each other's heads into walls. One can usually hear their brawls at an average of about thirty times per week. Whenever these fights break out, Lady Careen simply takes a stroll in the garden.

Their "Granny", the Dowager Countess of Kensington (mother of Gerald), often stops by for a visit. Though she still slightly detests her daughter-in-law, Roseanne does have a rather soft spot for her grandchildren.

Of course, there would be no Downtara without its high-maintenance staff.

Henry Cromwell is the current butler at Downtara. He is a strict man—most likely the strictest servant at Downtara—and has a very precise manner in which procedures are to be followed. Mr. Cromwell is (most probably) the reason why Downtara runs smoothly (most of the time). He has served the O'Haras ever since Gerald was a boy.

Alice Brown is the head housekeeper. Just like Mr. Cromwell, Mrs. Brown is a rather strict being. However, she tends to be a bit more sympathetic (perhaps it is a "feminine" instinct?). She was a Scottish farm girl before coming to work at Downtara.

Blythe Edwards is the head housemaid. She is often kind, but one should not consider the idea of crossing her. Blythe is highly respected both upstairs and downstairs, just as Mr. Cromwell and Mrs. Brown are. Though she finds little joy in her present life (she has been a bachelorette for quite some time, after all), Blythe loves Downtara. It is the only home she has known.

Marilyn Lowell is the cook at Downtara. Though a bit snappy, she is a woman with a big heart. She often believes that she is in control of the downstairs staff despite the fact that Mr. Cromwell and Mrs. Brown are repeatedly putting her back into place.

Camilla Wilmington is the one and only kitchen maid. She is a young creature (only 15 years of age), and is a rather foolish girl. Camilla often frets whenever her one and only companion, Mrs. Lowell, blames her for any (and all) kitchen mishaps.

The rest of the staff includes all of the essential servants: footmen, a chauffeur, house maids, gardeners, His Lordship's valet, a Lady's maid, a governess for the three daughters, a laundress, etc. Downtara's staff holds a grand total of 150 servants. Naturally, the Servants' Hall is often very crowded. Sometimes, the bustling of downstairs can be heard by the Lord and Ladies.

There is, of course, much more to be learned about Downtara. One might consider the idea of visiting in order to feed their curiosity. However, in reality, these grand folk are really not so different from the lesser classes. Of course, they are worth more than the less fortunate, but personality-wise, we are all equal. We are all made of flesh and blood, are we not? Does our rank in society truly matter?

Perhaps the secrets of Downtara are not so different from the secrets of the moderns, nor are they as safe.

Yours,

The Author

Continuation? I'll start working on the next chapter of You Don't Know...ASAP. Thanks for reading! xo

(P.S. Had to add some Phantom in as well! xD )