A/N: Thank you so very much for your wonderful reviews! I'm having so much fun writing this fic, and I'm so thrilled you're enjoying it!

Thanks to OrangeShipper for clarifying a key detail.

Also shouting out Dan – my favorite Big Brother player ever, whose deal with Frank last night was one for the ages.

Day Five (cont)

Vera sat in front of the chess set.

It had appeared that morning after the voting, but everyone had been too distracted to notice.

"What exactly are we meant to do?" Mary had lamented, when they were all simply sitting around, waiting. "Surely we cannot play games all day."

"Apparently some of us can," Edith had shot back, and Mary had simply rolled her eyes in response.

Yet now here was a chess set in the sitting room. Vera studied its pieces carefully. She'd never cared much for chess, but right now the appearance of the chess set was a fascinating coincidence indeed.

After all, she was once again Queen.

The very best way to render the King vulnerable was always to take out his Queen. Only one piece could get to the King, of course – but plenty of people could attack him.

"Oh, I'm sorry – I do hope I wasn't interrupting." Edith offered a small smile.

At first, Vera was irritated at being interrupted. But then she brightened.

If the King has surrounded himself with allies, Vera pondered to her diary, then so must the other side – in order to increase the chances of a successful attack.

"Yes, what is it?" Vera said, as sweetly as she could manage.

"Are you going to nominate Mary?"

"Housemates are not permitted to discuss nominations." O'Brien's voice made them both jump.

Vera put her finger to her lips with a glare. "I've bigger fish to fry than your sister this week." She lowered her voice. "But if you help me, well…" Her lips twisted up into a slight smile. "Perhaps I might consider returning the favor."

Edith didn't know Vera that well, but anyone who wanted Mary out of the house couldn't be that bad. "Would you really?" she wondered, cautiously.

Smiling, Vera continued, "Of course, if it somehow got out that I was working with you, well…that would be very unfortunate…" Her smile suddenly faded. "…For you."

Slightly taken aback, Edith nodded. "Quite so."

The smile returned as Vera continued. "We're going to need a few more people if this is to work. Do you think you can manage that?"

"Of course," Edith agreed. "I…think I might know who could help us."

"Splendid." Vera's eyes turned toward the door, as if it was a hint.

"Right. Well, I'll…be off, then," Edith said, awkwardly, leaving Vera to her chess set.

I feel as though I've made some kind of deal with the Devil, she confessed to her diary. But if it will help rid the house of the biggest Devil of all, I can't be too fussed about it.

"What are the chances that no one from our side would win house leader three consecutive times?" Mary lamented. "Let alone that Vera Bates would win it twice?"

Richard snorted, his eyes on the window.

"It's a tricky game," he commented, seeming deep in thought. "The worst possible scenario: a house leader who's proven herself utterly incapable of rational thought. Any attempt to approach her, and she's likely to fly off the handle and then we're both of us up on the block."

"Or Matthew," Mary pointed out.

Richard seemed to ignore her last comment. "We need to shift the target away from us. Difficult when the house leader won't listen to reason, but it can be done."

Mary seemed intrigued. "And how would we manage that, exactly?"

He gave her a look, raising his eyebrows. "You just leave that to me. But you must know – it won't be pretty."

"Is it ever?"

The two shared a conspiratorial smile.

I'm not sure what Richard is up to, but I must admit I'm intrigued. I'll do anything if it helps keep our alliance off the block, Mary wrote.

"We'll know more after nominations," Richard continued. "But if Vera's madness has some method to it…we'll have to do whatever it takes to save ourselves."

Mary nodded. "Whatever it takes," she repeated, with a firm resolve.

Edith wandered into the sitting room, where Matthew was now staring at the chessboard. He stood up when he saw her, and she offered a friendly smile.

"Do you play?" she asked, seating herself in a chair opposite him.

"Yes, but…I'm not very good at it, " he confessed. "I don't like to attack, and as a result, I'm generally ambushed. I never see it coming."

For a moment, Edith was silent, as if thinking this over. "Did you ever consider…changing your strategy? That perhaps if you…tried something different, you might achieve…better results?"

At this, Matthew laughed briefly. "This is the only way I know how to play. I'm simply…bad at chess, I'm afraid."

"But what if…" Edith ventured, lowering her voice, "It's not you that's bad – it's simply…those with whom you're playing." Pausing for a moment, she added, "Like what happened to Lavinia."

Now Matthew looked directly at her, his brow furrowed in consternation. "Lavinia wanted to go home."

"But she didn't deserve to, did she?" Edith pressed him. When he didn't respond, Edith continued, gaining confidence. "I think we could both agree some of us are more…deserving to be here than others."

"Yes…quite…" was all Matthew could say in response, before hastily rising from his chair. "Well, then I…think perhaps I'll get something to eat. What do you say?" Desperately, he tried to keep his voice as even as possible – to not sound like he was fighting an urge to bolt out of the room.

Out of the corner of her eye, Edith saw Vera lurking outside the door. "No…no, that's quite alright. Go on. Perhaps we can…speak more later?" She offered an encouraging smile for Vera's benefit.

Staring at his diary for a very long time, Matthew finally picked up his pen: I'm not entirely sure, but I think Edith was trying to get me to vote with her. Either that or she wants to go courting. I do hope it's not that.

I think that went quite well, was Edith's optimistic scribbling. Perhaps Matthew could never be persuaded to vote out Mary, but if she's not Vera's target…why wouldn't he vote with us?

Once Matthew had left, Vera crept back into the room – her eyes constantly darting round, as if she was being watched.

"Well?" she asked, in a harsh whisper.

Edith shrugged. "I'm not sure. As long as it's not Mary," she spit out the name like it was some kind of curse, "I think he might be open to the idea."

Vera nodded. "I suppose it's a start," she allowed – annoyed at her new protégé for not securing a firm commitment as requested.

"There is still the question of…the second person." Edith certainly didn't want to antagonize the woman, but it seemed that planning ahead was not among her best qualities.

There was silence for a moment, before Vera's focus turned back to the chessboard. "Kings, Queens, Bishops, Rooks…they're all protected. They can't be exposed until someone engages the row of pieces in front of them…"

"Pawns," Edith supplied – almost as if it was a question.

A slow smile spread across Vera's face as she considered her next move. "And why would anyone take out a pawn…when you could take out a Queen?"

Day Six

The breakfast before nominations was particularly quiet that morning. Vera of course was going to do whatever she damn well pleased. Unfortunately, nobody quite knew exactly what that was.

Anna was seated next to Bates, as usual – and was a bit unnerved by the fact that Vera was refusing to make eye contact.

With a smile, Anna then turned her attention across the table, where Mary happened to look up – the two women sharing a subtle nod.

I know I can count on Mr. Bates, and I'd like to think I have Lady Mary's support. Anna's script was impeccable. I'm going to need all the friends I can get.

At the other end of the table, Edith kept trying to catch Matthew's eye. They were seated next to each other, but always seemed to be looking in opposite directions.

"So, have you given it any more thought?" Edith asked, under her breath.

Matthew seemed confused. "I'm…sorry?"

"What we spoke of…last night?" she reminded him – feeling Vera's gaze beating down upon her.

"Oh." He paused, as if seriously considering the question. "Not really, I'm afraid."

"Careful, Edith," warned Mary from across the table. "I don't think Matthew has any interest in your secret alliance."

Edith glared back at Mary in frustration. "What makes you think we have a secret alliance?" she shot back, trying to sound as affronted as possible.

"I know you don't." Mary sounded almost smug. "Because Matthew is not nearly that stupid."

Both Richard and Matthew smiled at that, though Matthew did his best to look at least somewhat chastened when Edith looked at him. Vera had gone back to angrily eating – furious to be working with such an incompetent ally.

Vera walked back into the sitting room, her head held high – refusing to look at anyone, not even her husband.

Check, was Vera's simple entry.

"Housemates…"

Those assembled practically jumped at the sound of O'Brien's voice.

"There are two people nominated for eviction. They are…"

Mary's fingers unconsciously gripped the arms of her chair, Richard sat forward a bit in his and Anna held her breath.

…William Mason and Anna Smith."

By now, the housemates were used to unpredictable nominations – given what had transpired a mere few days ago, but it was still a shock.

William turned even more pale than usual, and kept his head down as if he was ashamed.

I can't think of what I've done to Vera Bates, William penned, sadly. But I'm sure I must've done something. Look at what happened to Thomas.

Anna exchanged a look with Bates before rising from her chair. She spared a glance in Vera's direction, but unsurprisingly the other woman did not return it.

I wish I could say I was surprised. Anna was circumspect about the whole matter to her diary. But I suppose it just speaks to the type of person Vera Bates is.

Edith looked entirely too pleased with the results.

I have nothing against Anna, of course, Edith wrote. But she's always been closer to Mary than to me, so I can't help but see this as a good thing. And William wouldn't hurt a fly.

As everyone continued to file out of the sitting room, Mary caught Richard's eye, nodding her head toward the task room.

"I'm afraid I must ask you for that favor," Mary told him as soon as they were assured of privacy.

He raised his eyebrows. "But neither of us are nominated. What's the point?" Then his eyes narrowed. "And why should you care so much about Anna Smith anyway? You realize she's on the other side."

Mary hesitated, before reiterating, "Perhaps she is, but…she's helped us before. She might help us again in the future."

"You mean she might help you," he corrected, leaning in slightly. "Anna Smith will never work with me. So, I suppose the question is…would you rather work with her?" The implication went unspoken.

Still, Mary didn't back down. "As far as I'm aware, I'm only working with two people," she stated, coldly. "I'm asking you to do this…as a favor to me."

For a moment, Richard was silent. "What I have planned is quite risky – and there's a chance it might not work."

Mary's gaze never faltered. "That's a chance I'm willing to take."

Richard sighed in assent. "Very well." Then he peered out the door to make sure his departure went unnoticed.

Well now, Mary Crawley needs a favor. Richard scrawled. Perhaps she can do one for me as well - by proving where her true loyalties lie.

A few people were still milling about the sitting room. William hadn't moved from his place on the chair, while Anna and Bates were talking quietly in the corner of the room.

Leaning over William, almost in a whisper, Richard commented, "Look at them."

William started in his seat, looking up to see Richard almost looming over him. He followed the man's gaze to where Anna and Bates were speaking together.

"Strange for Vera Bates to have nominated her when she's so well-liked. You don't suppose there was another reason behind it?"

"Another reason?" William repeated, his eyes still on the couple.

Richard smiled. "Think about it," he said, before straightening and leaving the room.

Anna wouldn't carry on with a married man with his wife in the house, William wrote, uncertainly. No, of course she wouldn't. Anna and Bates are good people…aren't they?

When Mary finally left the task room herself, William was staring at Anna, almost open-mouthed – yet every time she looked over, he'd look away.

Such a peculiar fellow, Mary thought as she headed upstairs.

The dinner was Richard's idea. When he'd realized he could request things (as long as they weren't books, newspapers or cigarettes), he'd asked O'Brien if all remaining housemates might have an elegant dinner to celebrate a week of being in the house.

O'Brien, of course, interpreted his request as intended: "All housemates will be called to dinner at the appointed time. Failure to attend could result in the removal of certain privileges."

They always ate together at breakfast, but dinner was quite another matter. Mary and Edith looked mightily uncomfortable – since the servants obviously couldn't dress for the occasion.

Though they weren't nearly as uncomfortable as William, who indeed kept peering over at Anna and Bates and then looking back down at his plate.

"William?" Anna asked, kindly – when she noticed his intermittent staring. "Is everything alright?"

He looked down at his plate. "Of course it is," he mumbled.

"Is something bothering you?" Bates wondered.

"It's nothing," William said, hastily.

Sybil smiled, taking pity on him. "It's alright, William. I don't think it's been easy for any of us, being all together like this."

"No…quite…" William kept his eyes on his plate.

Richard took this opportunity to put down his cutlery. "I think I may know what might be troubling the lad," he said, in what seemed an understanding tone. "It's what we discussed this afternoon, isn't it?"

William's eyes shot up to meet Richard's, widening in alarm. "What? No—no, of course not…"

"Whatever it was, it's clearly upset you," Sybil said, kindly.

"You don't need to be afraid, William. You've got friends here." Branson spoke up.

"Of course you do," Anna added. "But we can't help you unless you tell us what's wrong."

William held Anna's gaze for a moment – so concerned, so kind. Surely, it was impossible...wasn't it?

"Only that…" he began, softly. "You and Bates…you're just friends, aren't you?"

"What?"

"Well, there's nothing else, is there – you're not…I mean, with Vera Bates here and everything…" At the mention of her name, Vera's eyes turned to him.

"Of course not!" Bates protested. "Is that what you think?"

"No…I, I…" William glanced at Richard, who had gone back to eating.

Sybil frowned. "William, that's so unkind. You don't tell lies about people like that."

"Well, who's to say whether it's a lie or not?"

All eyes now turned to Richard, who shrugged. "Well, there's no way to prove it, is there?"

"It's not true," Bates said, firmly.

Again, Richard shrugged. "If you say so." Mary stared at him, trying to remain calm.

Anna's eyes still shone with shock. "William, I don't understand why you couldn't have mentioned this in private."

"Well, I…" William began. "I didn't…"

"It's not his fault!" Edith suddenly spoke up – realizing how the attention was being deflected. "If Anna and Bates are doing something untoward—"

"Which we're not!" Anna insisted.

"…Then I can see why it bothered him," Edith finished.

"Oh yes, because you're such an arbiter of moral judgment," Mary snapped.

Matthew attempted to hold up his hand. "I really don't think—"

"No," Mary interjected. "Anna's character is unimpeachable. We'll not discuss this any further."

Sybil nodded. "I agree. Let's go back to enjoying our dinner."

Needless to say, nobody did.

"What on earth was that?"

Richard turned to see Mary waiting at the top of the stairs for him.

I really don't understand what Richard is playing at. Mary wrote, furiously. As if creating a scandal will help anyone!

He merely shrugged. "That was me saving Anna Smith."

"By slandering her?" Mary protested. "By creating some…unsubstantiated rumor and letting it run rampant?"

At this, Richard laughed. "You said it yourself – Anna's character is unimpeachable. But Vera was quite clever in putting up someone else who was rather likable. I simply made him…less likable."

Mary could only stare in horrified shock. "But you've…destroyed her reputation—"

"I wasn't aware a housemaid had a reputation." He practically leaned against the wall as he spoke. "Besides, a scandal is only a scandal for the person the public doesn't believe."

Mary briefly put a hand to her head, trying to reign in her exasperation. "This better work," she said, quietly.

"Oh, it will," he assured her. "I know how the public thinks. She'll be quite safe when the votes are read."

Of course it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if Anna went home, Richard mused to his diary. After all, the public can also be quite fickle.

They stared at each other, as if in a standoff of some kind – before Mary retired to her room for the evening. She wished she'd had a chance to speak to Anna by herself. All she could do now was put their fate in Richard's hands and hope for the best.

Day Seven

Edith went down to breakfast like a woman on a mission. Richard might have helped draw attention away from Anna, but that didn't mean she couldn't make some last minute pleas with those who might be susceptible to changing their vote.

She sat herself beside Sybil, nearer to Branson – though Matthew was still seated at her other side, opposite Richard and Mary. Vera was at the end of the table, and kept glaring at her – as if this whole business was somehow her fault.

"I really don't think William meant anything by what he said last night." Edith commented.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Anna and Bates flinch.

"Not if it was the truth," Vera now put in. "There's no law against telling the truth."

"Please, let's not get into this again!" Sybil pleaded.

"I agree – can we just enjoy our breakfast in peace?" Branson wanted to know.

Edith frowned, as she looked round the table. She had to at least try to sway someone else. "This is a game!" Edith exclaimed. "For heaven's sake, you're not voting for who you like the most – you're voting for who you want out of the house, so you don't have to compete against them!"

Sybil then turned on her sister. "We can vote how we like – for whoever we like, for whatever reason we want!" She then directed her next comment to the table. "Otherwise, why vote at all?"

That seemed to silence the table – though Vera shot Anna a particularly nasty look.

Vera's pen practically jabbed through the paper. Never send a pawn to do a Queen's job, especially when it involves taking out another Queen. Well...lesson learned.

Voting was the most relaxed it had been in a while, as after the previous night, there was little doubt as to how most everyone was voting.

"Housemates, Lady Grantham is listening to you live. Please do not curse," O'Brien reminded them.

"William Mason and Anna Smith, the voting is closed. The votes have been counted and verified and I can now reveal that by a vote of 4-3, the third person to be evicted from Lady Grantham's big brother's house is…

William Mason."

Anna couldn't help herself. "Three," she breathed.

"No talking," O'Brien warned, as William had started to get up from his chair. "William Mason, you must say your goodbyes promptly – else I come to get you." There seemed to be a tinge of sympathy coloring O'Brien's words now. William was a good lad. Probably best that he was out now.

"Thank you for this opportunity," William mumbled, looking at the floor as he spoke. Anna and Bates rose to shake his hand, as did Branson and Sybil.

Mary caught Anna's eye, looking utterly confused.

How on earth did Anna get three votes? Mary wondered to her diary. I can think of no one but Edith who would've voted against her.

I suppose all that matters is that I'm still here, Anna penned, carefully. But I apparently have fewer allies than I thought.

As usual, Edith looked particularly shocked.

We were one vote away. One vote! Edith sighed, as she tapped her pen thoughtfully. But it proves there are more people on our side than perhaps are willing to admit it.

O'Brien interrupted them: "Housemates, if you will adjourn to the task room, where you will compete to determine the new house leader."

As they were walking, Anna caught Mary's eye. "Three votes," she mouthed.

Mary nodded. "Edith," she mouthed back.

"Who else?"

Matthew then walked by. "You?" Mary demanded, her eyes flashing.

But he shook his head so emphatically that somehow she believed him.

"Congratulations, Richard Carlisle, you are the new house leader," O'Brien announced, as the victor emerged triumphantly from the task room.

Of course, Mary couldn't have looked more pleased.

Finally, someone from our side is the house leader, Mary wrote. Now perhaps we can start getting rid of the troublemakers in this house.

Matthew did his best to look somewhat excited.

With Richard Carlisle as the house leader, the war between the classes is sure to start up again, Matthew rolled his eyes as his pen moved across the paper. I quite liked it when we were all at least pretending to be friends.

"Quickly – before anyone notices," Mary cautioned, attempting to usher Richard and Matthew up the stairs for an alliance meeting.

Richard peered over at his alliance.

As house leader, I look forward to solidifying the allegiance of my allies. Richard grinned as he continued to write: Why else would I have voted to evict Anna Smith?