13 June 1918
Lady Mary Crawley was sitting up in bed as it approached midnight, staring at the night sky and the half-moon which shone through her window. Not for the first time of late was she sitting up thinking over a distressing situation. For the first time, the situation was not centered on Matthew Crawley but on her sister Lady Sybil Crawley and the family chauffeur Branson's desire to run away with her.
Mary had promised Sybil that she would not tell their father about Branson's pursuit of her as long as Sybil promised not to do anything stupid. Sybil had promised, and as she was still at Downton three months later, Mary had remained silent. But after what she saw today, she was reconsidering. Yes, Sybil had not run away with the chauffeur, she had kept her word, but Mary saw the two of them talking again today. This time Sybil was not only in the garage, but was casually sitting on a workbench talking with Branson as he worked on the town car. By the looks of it, Sybil had just returned from her shift at the hospital. She was still in her nurse's uniform, her head scarf removed and laying on her lap, and she was smiling at the chauffeur and laughing at something he said. Mary realized that it was only a matter of time before Sybil would accept Branson's overtures.
She didn't really think Sybil loved Branson. How could she? He didn't really have anything to offer her. Yes, he is quite good-looking. I would even say boyishly handsome. Sybil's flattered by the attention he pays her. What young girl wouldn't like having an attractive young man pay attention to her? Sybil only experienced one season before the war broke out, and she had been a great success. If not for the war, she would be socializing with more suitable men at the moment. And Sybil's always been rebellious. This is just another manifestation of that rebelliousness. Darling Sybil. Sometimes she needs to be saved from herself. With these thoughts in her mind, Mary decided she had to intervene and tell their father about what had been going on between her baby sister and the chauffeur. It was her duty as the eldest sister. She just needed to find the right time.
But how to go about it? When should she tell papa? Mary sat there contemplating the best way to tell their father. It's important to tell papa alone, so over breakfast one morning would be the best time. Mama will be in bed having breakfast and Edith will have her rounds to do for the convalescent home. It should be a morning when Sybil is working at the hospital, and not here at the convalescent home. If she's here when Branson's fired, she might accept his offer then and there to spite me. Mary decided to bide her time for the next few days, patiently waiting for the right moment.
The right moment came four days later. Mary arrived at the dining room to find her father and Edith, but no Sybil. She didn't think she was scheduled for a morning shift at the hospital.
"Where's Sybil?"
"She's at the hospital. They're expecting a transport of wounded officers and the head nurse asked her to come in to assist. Branson drove her there early this morning."
At hearing Branson's name, Mary thought of her task. Today is the day. She began eating her breakfast, taking small bites of her toast and sipping her tea. As Edith was halfway finished with her breakfast when Mary arrived in the dining room, it wasn't long before she finished eating and left the room to begin her rounds. Mary continued eating, trying not to let the little nagging voice in her head stop her.
You made a promise, remember. You wouldn't say anything if she didn't do anything stupid.
Well, it's only a matter of time before she does.
Perhaps, but Sybil's upheld her end of the agreement.
Barely. She goes to the garage and talks with him all the time.
Yes she does. But who else does she have to talk to. More importantly, Sybil will never forgive you for going back on your word.
Yes, she will. She'll throw a tantrum, yell, scream and make hollow threats, but in a day or two, all will be forgiven.
On that thought, Mary decided now was the time.
"Papa, I need to discuss something very important with you."
Looking up from his paper, Robert asked, "Yes, Mary?"
She looked at Carson standing in the corner, before shifting her eyes toward her father. "Can we discuss this alone?"
A concerned look swept across his face. "Yes, of course Mary. Carson, can you please give Lady Mary and me some time to talk?"
"Yes, my lord."
With that, he left the dining room, leaving Robert and Mary alone. He closed the paper and looked at his eldest, worry clear on his face.
"Now what do you need to discuss with me that you can't discuss in front of Carson?"
Mary took a deep breath. "Before I tell you, you must promise not to yell, papa."
Robert's eyes widened. "That is not reassuring."
"Do you promise?"
He nodded, his various imaginings of what Mary was about to tell him running through his head.
"It's about Sybil. Branson has told her that he loves her and wants to run away with her."
"Good God! What-"
"You promised not to yell."
"How am I supposed to react to hearing the chauffeur wants to run away with my youngest daughter?"
Mary nodded her head in understanding. "I know it's a shock, but you need to keep your voice down. Do you want the entire house to hear?" she asked with a lift of her eyebrow.
Robert quickly caught her meaning. The house was filled with servants, nurses and officers. He didn't want all of them to know about this.
Before he could respond, Mary continued. "I have a plan. Obviously, Branson will need to be fired. We'll inform Carson of what has been going on and he'll fire him today. However, when Carson is asked as to why Branson is leaving, he will say that Branson's father is ill and he has to return to Ireland right away. Since Sybil is at the hospital today, he'll be gone before she returns. There will be no dramatic scenes. We can save Sybil from any embarrassing situations and gossip."
"Hmphf."
Mary looked at her father. "What was that for?"
"Well, you're the one telling me about Branson's feelings for your sister. Sybil hasn't said anything to me."
"Papa, it's Sybil. I doubt she returns his affections. At the most, she's flattered by the attention. Knowing my younger sister, she hasn't said anything because she didn't want him to be fired."
Robert got up and paced back and forth for a few minutes, considering everything that Mary had told him. After a few minutes, he stopped and looked at his eldest.
"You seem to have everything planned out," he said with meaning.
"Do you mean that I came here with a plan to handle the situation?"
He nodded.
"I decided to tell you on Sunday night, but wanted to wait until I could get you alone and Sybil wasn't around."
"If Sybil doesn't return his affections, why should it matter if she is here or at the hospital?"
"You're obviously forgetting which daughter we're discussing. You know Sybil. She would cause a scene arguing against firing Branson. It's best that she's not here."
Robert considered Mary's words. "You're probably right. Are you sure Branson won't cause a scene?"
"I can't be sure, but no, I don't think he will."
"Very well. I'll ring for Carson. We'll pay Branson what he's owed, as well as train and boat fare. I want him on his way back to Ireland by the end of the day."
Robert pulled the cord, ringing for Carson to return to the dining room. He was there within minutes.
"Carson, Mary has brought a situation to my attention that needs to be dealt with immediately," Robert told the butler, barely concealing his anger.
"What is that, milord?"
"Branson has been making romantic overtures to Lady Sybil. I want him to be fired and off the property by the end of the day. I'll pay him what he is owed, as well as his train and boat fare. I want him to return to Ireland and far away from my daughter."
Carson's eyes widened at the revelation. "Yes, milord. If I had known about this, I would have fired him sooner."
Robert looked at Carson. "It's not your fault Carson. I should have known years ago. With all the political garbage Sybil was sprouting."
"Papa, let's return to the matter at hand. I'm sorry Carson."
"That is alright, milady."
"You're right, Mary," said Robert. He turned his attentions back to Carson. "I want to keep the situation quiet. If anyone asks you why Branson is leaving, tell them that his father is ill and he needs to return to Ireland at once." He paused. "And make sure that he knows that that is the reason he is to give as well. We'll discuss a replacement later."
"Very good, your lordship. I will do as you say."
With that, Carson bowed his head slightly and left the dining room.
Robert sighed. "I've lost my appetite. I'm going for a walk. A long one."
He quickly left the room, leaving Mary alone. Everything had gone as planned. Branson would be gone before Sybil returned from the hospital this evening. Her baby sister would not have to deal with the chauffeur's affections any longer. Sybil will be relieved. I'm sure of it. Yet Mary couldn't shake the feeling that she had just done a terrible wrong to her sister.
After he left the dining room, Charles Carson returned to his office downstairs. He was trying to process what he had just learned. Branson has been making romantic overtures to Lady Sybil.
I wonder how long Mr. Branson's been trying to seduce Lady Sybil. Probably started last July after the dinner with General Strutt. I should have fired him then.
He was fuming and needed to calm himself before he called Mr. Branson to his office. Mr. Carson was so preoccupied and upset, he did not hear the knocking on his door, nor did he hear the door open and Mrs. Hughes come in.
"Mr. Carson, whatever is the matter?"
"Nothing, Mrs. Hughes," he hurriedly said.
"I rather doubt that, You didn't hear me knocking on your door. And you look upset."
Mr. Carson debated whether to tell Mrs. Hughes about Mr. Branson's indiscretion. He decided he could trust her to keep it a secret.
"Please shut the door."
She did, then turned back to him. "This sounds serious."
It is, Mrs. Hughes. It is."
He paused trying to figure out how to tell her.
"Just tell me. I doubt it's as bad as you're making it seem."
"I only wish it were so."
Mrs. Hughes looked at Mr. Carson, waiting for him to continue.
"His Lordship just informed me that Mr. Branson has been making romantic overtures to Lady Sybil. He is to be fired at once and off the property by the end of the day."
With that, he was off on a full-blown rant, pacing back and forth.
"I should have fired him last July. The nerve of him to pursue Lady Sybil in that way. He probably doesn't even care for her. He's just trying to strike a blow against the aristocracy! Probably would've seduced her and left her ruined."
Mrs. Hughes just listened as Mr. Carson ranted. She was not shocked by what he told her about Mr. Branson. Surprised, yes, but not shocked. Recalling the garden party, she knew Mr. Branson had a crush, perhaps even more than a crush, on Lady Sybil four years ago. She thought he had heeded her warning. Now she knew better. However, while she understood Mr. Carson's objections to Mr. Branson's actions, Mrs. Hughes would not stand his last two comments.
"Mr. Carson," she said in a harsh and raised voice, "while I know your feelings on the subject of suitable men to marry his lordship's daughters, you go too far with your last comments. Mr. Branson, for all his faults, would not use Lady Sybil to attack the aristocracy. And he most certainly would not seduce her and leave her ruined. I know you don't agree with his politics, but outside of the incident last July, since he began working here he has been one of the most reliable workers."
"Need I remind you of the Count?"
"Need I remind you that Lady Sybil was the engineer of that disaster? If I recall properly, she lied to both his lordship and Mr. Branson."
Mr. Carson looked annoyed. "Hmmm. We'll just have to agree to disagree on these matters."
He sat down. "I need to call Mr. Branson to my office. The sooner he is gone the better."
"Would it be fine with you if I stay while you fire him? I've always liked the lad, and it might be best for both of you if someone is here."
"I'm fine with that, Mrs. Hughes. It's probably best that you're here anyway. The excuse we are to give for Mr. Branson's sudden and unexpected departure is that his father is ill and he needs to return to Ireland at once."
Mrs. Hughes nodded her head. Though she didn't doubt Mr. Branson's affections for the youngest Crawley daughter, she knew as soon as she heard that he would have to leave and return to Ireland. It's unfortunate really. If they weren't from such different worlds, they would actually make quite a nice match.
Mr. Carson left his office to ask one of the hall boys to go to the garage and tell Mr. Branson to come to his office. After he returned, they both waited in silence for Mr. Branson to arrive. Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Mr. Carson.
Tom opened the door, entered and shut the door. Turning to face Mr. Carson, he saw Mrs. Hughes was there as well. Looking between the two of them, he sensed something was wrong. Mr. Carson looked angry while Mrs. Hughes' face didn't reveal any emotion. Except her eyes, which Tom saw were filled with pity. And he knew what was about to happen. He inwardly braced himself for the axe that was about to fall. No smartass comments, Tom. Take it on the chin.
"You wanted to see me, Mr. Carson."
Mr. Carson struggled to keep his temper in check. "Yes, Mr. Branson. It has been brought to his lordship's attention that you've been making unseemly advances to Lady Sybil."
Despite telling himself not to comment, Tom couldn't help himself. "I've not made unseemly advances, as you put it, Mr. Carson. I proposed to her. There's nothing unseemly about that."
Mrs. Hughes had to force herself to keep a straight face and not to smile at his words. He is right. A proposal is not the same thing as an unseemly advance. But he probably shouldn't have said that to Mr. Carson.
Mr. Carson's face turned red. "Have you no shame? Sneaking around trying to seduce Lady Sybil."
Tom forced himself to stay calm. "No, I have no shame. I never tried to seduce her. I asked her to marry me. I haven't even kissed her. Do I wish I could have openly courted Syb-," he paused on seeing the almost apoplectic look on Mr. Carson's face, rolled his eyes and continued, "Lady Sybil? Yes, but that was never going to be an option."
Mr. Carson was about to yell when Mrs. Hughes intervened, raising her voice a bit in the process. "This is getting us nowhere. You two both need to be quiet for the next few minutes."
She turned her head to look at Tom. Softening her voice, she said, "I think, Mr. Branson, you know what Mr. Carson called you in here for. While I am sad to see you go, you knew this was a possibility when you made the decision to pursue Lady Sybil. You will be paid what you are owed-"
"-as well as train and boat fare back to Ireland," Mr. Carson gruffly interrupted.
"Thank you, Mr. Carson," she huffed. "As well as your travel fare back to Ireland. You need to return to your cottage, pack your bags and be off the property by the end of the day. I'll bring what your owed to you."
Tom nodded at Mrs. Hughes. He was walking towards the door when Mr. Carson spoke.
"If anyone asks you why you're leaving, you are to tell them that your father is ill and you need to return to Ireland. Is that understood?"
Tom inwardly smiled at this. As soon as Sybil hears that excuse, she'll know what happened. Since da's been dead for fourteen years and she knows it. "Yes, Mr. Carson."
With that, Tom left his office and headed to his cottage to pack. As he briskly walked to his cottage, he felt the anger rising from within him. He wasn't angry at Mr. Carson or for himself. He was angry for Sybil and the betrayal at the hands of her sister. Tom had no doubt that the way his lordship found out about his pursuit of Sybil was from Lady Mary. Because if it had been from one of the staff, Mr. Carson would have known before his lordship, not the other way around.
Before he knew it, Tom was back at his cottage. He marched in, leaving the door open and looked around. Though he had to pack up his entire life in a few short hours, Tom's only had one real thought. How can I say goodbye to Sybil?