Tom

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You have always been motivated by love.

Love for cars and driving brought you to Downton before the war.

Love for Ireland made you want to go back home.

Love for Sybil made you stay until she said 'yes'.

And return to Downton.

Love for Sybbie made you stay.

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You remember coming to Downton.

You thought the Earl was nice.

That his wife was nice and that their daughters were nice too.

Especially the youngest one.

A bit of a free spirit.

And you fell for her.

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While you were waiting for her to finally say 'yes' you watched a love story unfurl.

That of Mary and Matthew.

The lady and the future earl.

You thought they were perfect for each other when you saw them together for the first time.

You sometimes wish you had had the courage to tell them what you thought.

To tell them they should not let themselves be torn apart.

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But of course you didn't.

You were a servant.

And while you were serving the family, you watched another love story.

One that did not have to unfurl because it must have been going on for decades.

The Earl and his Countess.

You have been privy to very private moments between them and you wanted a love like theirs. And you found it in their youngest daughter.

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When Sybil died, a part of you died too.

Another part only wanted the best for Sybbie.

And the third part, if only a tiny one, hoped that your parents-in-law would not lose themselves over their youngest daughter's death.

Your wife's death.

They came back to life.

And so did you. Eventually.

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When your best friend died, your heart broke again.

For your own sorrow.

But much, much more so for Mary.

You wanted to hold her and tell her that everything would be alright.

But you couldn't.

Because you knew it wouldn't.

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You watched her parents worry over her.

And fight about how to help her.

You wanted to help her too.

And you think you did.

Your father-in-law once thanked you for it.

And so did his wife.

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You cannot believe it when you see them fall apart.

Over something as stupid as an art dealer.

The family has gone through enough heartbreak you think.

You think about telling Robert not to ignore Cora so much.

But you don't dare to.

You are afraid of his reaction.

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You think about telling Cora to stop flirting with that art dealer.

To tell her how it makes Robert feel.

But Mary tells you not to.

Because she thinks it will lead to even more trouble.

But you think that more trouble could hardly be possible.

But you let them be. Because Mary said so.

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They don't talk to each other anymore.

And that breaks your heart more than you thought it would.

And then, without there having been any signs the day before, they suddenly talk again.

Quite normally and friendly.

A week later she anchors his world when his dog dies.

Another week later, when you all are in London, they are deeply in love again. And it mends your broken heart. At least a bit.