A/N: We're almost halfway to the end! Many grateful thanks to all who have reviewed!

Day Nine cont

"I've a question."

Everyone who was still filing out of the task room after the house leader competition turned. Richard didn't appear to be addressing anyone.

After a moment, O'Brien's voice came through the grate: "Go on….sir."

Making sure he now had everyone's attention, Richard ventured, "Who decides the winner of this game?"

There was a distinct pause, and Richard wasn't even sure if his question had been heard. He was about to repeat it when another distinct voice came loudly through the grate.

"The winner of my big brother's game is decided by the last seven evicted housemates, beginning with the one leaving most recently. These seven will cast a vote for the winner between the final two housemates who remain." There was a muffled sound before they heard, "Really, how exactly does one supposed to speak into this infernal contraption—"

Then there was silence.

Just as I suspected, Richard penned, gleefully. Suddenly those of us who haven't been so nice are looking a lot less appealing as targets.

Most of the housemates, however, were puzzled.

"What does that mean?" Branson wanted to know.

"It means that if you're interested in votes, you should have someone unlikable along with you at the end," Mary said, her head still spinning.

"So, if you're a nice person…you're a threat to get votes," Sybil concluded, looking concerned.

Matthew seemed particularly agitated at this conversation. "I don't think that's the only way the game can be played."

"No, but it's the only way to win," Branson concluded, gloomily.

"And that is the goal," Mary remarked, her voice sounding very far away. "Winning."

I really was quite happy with my new alliance, Mary wrote, miserably. But I'm not sure aligning with three extremely likable people is the best thing for me.

Happily, she spotted Sybil seated at the table, and went to join her sister.

"How are you, darling?" Mary asked, her eyes darting round the room in case Branson showed up. He and her sister appeared to be joined at the hip these days.

Sybil offered her a smile. "I'm alright, I think. Sad about Edith." She laughed nervously. "I should probably be more nervous that she's going to be voting the winner. As should you be."

Mary only offered a half-smile in return.

Now Sybil's smile faded. "I know that's what you're thinking now."

"I can't think what you mean."

"Come on," Sybil encouraged. "For what it's worth, Mary – I'm glad you're not spending so much time with that Richard Carlisle. I'm certain he was behind that…business with Anna and Bates, and William at dinner. You're better than that – and better than him."

Shaking her head, Mary reached out to pat her sister's hand. "You're a darling," she remarked as she rose from her chair.

I wish Mary wasn't so focused on winning, Sybil mused to her diary. Then she might not be so unhappy all the time.

Branson came in after Mary left, and Sybil offered him a smile. "What did your sister want?" he asked.

Sybil shrugged. "She thinks too much about the game. It's not good for her." She paused for a moment, before admitting, "Though you do realize we're going to be bigger targets now with these new rules."

"We'll only be targets for those who want to win at all costs," Branson reminded her.

Smiling, Sybil turned towards him. "And what about you?" she asked. "What if you were house leader? Would that be your strategy?"

Branson grinned. "I wouldn't nominate you, if that's what you're asking."

"I most certainly was not!" Sybil admonished, trying to hide her slight blush.

Leaning back in his chair, Branson sighed. "It's just a game. Nothing we say or do here impacts what happens once we leave this house."

"But you still want to win," Sybil pressed him.

He just smiled. "Don't you?"

It wasn't exactly a secret alliance, but Matthew still thought it best to be as subtle about it as possible. They had agreed to meet in the task room, generally before meals – as it was easier to avoid arousing suspicion in that sense.

Whereas everyone knew he, Mary and Richard had been aligned, he wished to keep this new alliance a bit quieter. Fortunately, Anna and Bates were rather quiet themselves.

Though neither was nearly as quiet as Mary was.

"I don't think I need to speak about our biggest targets," Matthew explained. "We can't waste this opportunity. The one that survives will be in a much weaker position."

"And if they're working together, nominating them both will force them to turn on each other," Bates pointed out.

Anna nodded. "I think that makes the most sense. And if the other one wins house leader in a few days, we'll all of us be working against them."

"Mary, what do you think?" Matthew asked a clearly distracted Mary, who appeared to be gazing out the door, not really listening to the conversation.

Mary shrugged. "Oh…yes. Quite right."

"So, it's alright if I nominate you—"

"Housemates are not permitted to discuss nominations," O'Brien interjected.

"Yes, I know! I was merely trying to see if you were paying attention." Matthew spoke half to the grate in the wall and half to Mary herself.

Mary glared at him. "I think it's rather obvious who you're going to nominate. I don't see any reason to discuss it further. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get luncheon."

Matthew could only stare after her, and with a quick glance back at Anna and Bates, followed her outside.

"Mary!" he whispered sharply to her retreating back.

She turned round, looking particularly irritated. "What is it now?"

He stood his ground, albeit uneasily. "If you have a problem, I want to know. This alliance isn't a dictatorship." At this, she rolled her eyes again, before he reiterated quietly, "Please, I want to know."

Mary was uncertain for a moment, weighing up her options, before she finally relented. "Very well. I don't think we should go after Richard." She continued, despite Matthew's exaggerated sigh. "I know you don't like him personally, but he's protected both Anna and me. I don't think it's right."

"Alright," he said, slowly. "What would be your suggestion?"

This seemed to startle Mary, and she was silent for a moment. "Someone a bit more likable…like Branson, for example."

"Branson?" Matthew repeated – as if it was the furthest thing from his mind. "So, leave Vera in the house…to go after Bates and Anna? And you?"

"If Vera survives, as you said, she'll have the entire house against her," Mary stated.

"The entire house…except for Richard. And they can both compete for house leader in a couple days."

Mary shrugged. "Perhaps Richard might be…persuaded to change his mind."

All at once, it became so clear. Matthew laughed in almost disbelief. "I don't want anyone in this alliance who doesn't want to be here. If that's what you want, then please…"

"Oh, Matthew – you always make everything so black and white! Really, you're as bad as he is." She was breathing a little harder now. "Why lose an ally simply because he doesn't fit with your little morality play?"

"Yes, why nominate someone who's been causing discord, when I could nominate someone nicer who's not done a thing to anyone?" Matthew shot back.

They stared at each other for a moment. Finally, Mary shrugged. "I suppose you must do what is best."

"As will you, I have no doubt."

Again, they held each other's gaze, before Mary turned and left the room abruptly.

What's best for my game – what's best for her game. Now she's covered on all fronts, and I thought—, Matthew wrote, furiously. He paused, before continuing to write. Nevermind what I thought, I was wrong.

Matthew is positively infuriating, Mary practically scribbled in her diary. The point is to win, not to make friends. Why else would we be here in the first place?

As always, none of the housemates ate dinner at the same time, and when Branson wandered in for his meal, he saw Matthew – looking almost pained.

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Branson remarked, as he took a seat diagonally from Matthew.

Matthew looked up, offering a wan smile.

"Something troubling you?" Branson continued.

He was silent for a moment, before the temptation became too great. "What would you do…in my situation?" Matthew wanted to know.

Branson grinned. It was a popular question today. "I'd remember this isn't life and death. It's only a game."

"I know, and I…don't want to make decisions based on…personal motives," Matthew protested under his breath. "Especially when they might not be the best decisions going forward."

Branson shrugged. "If it's personal, at least it's a choice you can live with – rather than a game move you might regret later." Thinking of his own voting history, he frowned. "Trust me, I know how that feels."

I don't envy Matthew Crawley's decision, Branson penned, thoughtfully. But no one's integrity should be questioned based on a game move. I wouldn't wish that on anyone else.

He left Matthew to ponder his situation, wondering where Sybil had got to.

Day Ten

"I just want you to know there are no hard feelings, whatever happens."

Matthew turned round to see Richard in the doorway of his room.

"I understand that you made the move that most benefited you yesterday," he continued, "And to show you how much I understand, I'll give you my word that if I survive tomorrow, I won't put you up. And I won't put her up."

It sounded too good to be believed and Matthew was immediately skeptical. "You…won't?" he managed.

"I'll put Sybil up."

"Sybil?" Matthew repeated, confused.

Richard nodded. "She's the nicest person in this house – hasn't done a thing to anyone. If she gets near the end, she'll win handily. Getting rid of her would be to everyone's benefit, wouldn't you say?"

Matthew knew Mary wouldn't see it that way, and moreover he knew that Richard knew Mary wouldn't see it that way.

"Good luck," Richard said, sincerely – as he left Matthew to ponder his offer.

I don't want to see Sybil get caught in the crossfire, Matthew wrote, unhappily. I'm not sure what to do.

Anna and Bates got to breakfast the same time as Sybil and Branson. There was a bit of uneasiness, due to nominations – and the fact that their last meal together hadn't exactly gone well.

"Where's Matthew?" Sybil wondered, her eyes settling on Anna.

Anna blinked, unsure of what to say.

Our alliance with Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley is private, Anna's script was confident. It's quite unusual, and I don't think we should go blabbing about it to everyone.

"I don't know," Anna said, with a shaky laugh. "Why'd you think we'd know?"

Sybil's brow furrowed, but Bates quickly jumped in. "I'm…sure he's busy with nominations. After all, he has…much to think about this morning."

"Are you nervous?" Sybil asked them, lowering her voice, conspiratorially.

"No one is ever completely safe until the nominations are read," Bates reminded them.

I wish we could just tell them about our alliance, Bates wrote. I'm honestly not sure if they'd care or not. But better to err on the side of caution, I suppose.

"Especially now," Branson spoke up. "With people like us being seen as threats, simply because of the vote at the end."

"Quite right," Sybil agreed.

Bates attempted a smile. "People like us indeed," he mused, as he exchanged a look with Anna.

On the other side of the table, Richard merely smiled.

Nominations were more relaxed than usual. Everyone in the room appeared somewhat confident, except for Vera – who always seemed on edge.

Branson was sat, looking more or less sure of himself.

I see no reason why Sybil or I should be in any danger, Branson explained to his diary. But I still hope Matthew Crawley remembers it's just a game.

Once again, Richard seemed almost amused by the process.

No, of course I wouldn't be surprised to be nominated, Richard penned, thoughtfully. It would almost be a relief to know Matthew actually cares about the game and not just what one person thinks of him.

Mary was decidedly avoiding everyone's eyes.

I really don't care who Matthew nominates. Mary's pen shook slightly as it moved across the paper. It's not like I have any say over what he does.

Matthew then returned and sat down, looking unsure (though that was also his default look).

"Housemates…"

The room held its breath as O'Brien's familiar voice filled the air.

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

Vera Bates and Richard Carlisle."

There was a pause, as if the room was exhaling – before people started rising from their chairs and leaving. Anna and Bates flashed Matthew a grateful smile, while Branson nodded to him.

Vera looked particularly irritated.

I don't know this Matthew Crawley. I don't know what I've ever done to him. I can only assume Bates has poisoned him against me, were Vera's paranoid scribblings.

In the end, I did what I thought was right, Matthew wrote. Those are the two biggest troublemakers in the house and I can't say I'd be sorry to see either one of them leave.

He looked over to find Mary, but she had apparently left the room. Figuring it'd be best if he did the same, he made his way to the sitting room doorway.

"Well, I do hope you're satisfied."

Matthew turned to see Mary practically glowering at him from the corner of the room. "Why wouldn't I be?" he said, trying to project confidence.

Her laugh sounded particularly harsh to his ears. "Did it ever occur to you the position you've put me in? Anna and Bates will for Vera, and Sybil and Branson will vote for Richard? So, the blood is on my hands, regardless!"

That did render Matthew speechless for a moment. "I…" he began, fumbling for any kind of coherent argument, "How do you know how Sybil and Branson will vote?"

Mary rolled her eyes. "She's my sister, Matthew – of course I know. And Branson hates Richard – or have you been too wrapped up in other things to notice?"

They froze –Matthew holding his breath, as Mary's mouth dropped half-open. After a moment, he finally ventured, "I…I'm sorry if I put you in a difficult position."

Now she seemed to draw up to her full height. "Are you?" Again, she laughed. "Do you know this feels much like the same kind of test Richard gave us as house leader. Perhaps you were more suited to that alliance than you think."

Then he was the one left open-mouthed in her wake.

I was right about this house being divided, Richard wrote, thoughtfully. I never anticipated Mary Crawley to be at the middle of it, but fortunately, I was prepared for this.

"…Anna?" Richard called to the maid making her way down to dinner.

She stopped, turning round with what she hoped was a tolerant smile. Richard Carlisle had always made her uncomfortable. "What do you want?"

Richard put his hands up, innocently. "I was just hoping for a chance to speak with you."

"About what?" Anna was still wary.

"Why, the vote tomorrow, of course." His smile seemed relaxed.

Her hands twisted together in front of her. "You've got nothing to worry about from me. I want nothing more than to see Vera Bates out of this house."

"Ah, yes – I have no doubt," he continued, conversationally. "But you see…a few days ago, I did you a favor. Technically, it was for Mary – but it benefited you."

Anna was slightly confused. "I'm…sorry if I never thanked you. I'm very grateful. And as I told you, I want Vera gone."

"I know you do." Richard took another step closer. "I just need you to ensure that Mary does, as well."

"I can't…control her vote," Anna reminded him.

Richard merely laughed. "Oh no, but you wield far more power over her than you realize. You must know she trusts you – perhaps more than anyone in this house."

"Well, I'll speak to her – if that's what you want," Anna assured him, quickly. "Is that all? I'm really in a bit of a hurry."

"Not quite. When I make it past this eviction, with Mary's vote…if I don't win house leader, I want your assurance that I won't be nominated."

Now Anna couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry…Richard, but I'm afraid you're mistaken if you think I have that much power."

"Oh, I think you'll find you're more persuasive than you realize…" Richard continued. "Especially since if you don't, I'll tell Sybil and Branson about you and Bates and your secret alliance with Matthew and Mary."

For a moment, Anna was stunned – though her first instinct was to laugh it off. "Secret alliance?"

Now Richard laughed. "Don't be coy, Anna – the task room before meals? You really shouldn't be so obvious…"

"You can't prove anything," Anna insisted, gathering her courage. "I…I'll just deny it."

"Of course you will," Richard said, as if he'd been expecting this. "But I doubt that your noble Bates will embrace that same duplicity."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Then what? They can't exactly put us all up."

Richard shook his head. "No, of course not. It just might…give them pause if you ever made it to the end. It could…cost you a vote. But one vote isn't that important, is it?" He raised his eyebrows knowingly.

Anna was so furious that she could barely speak. "You're blackmailing me!" she exclaimed quietly, through gritted teeth.

Shrugging, Richard remarked, "I'm merely reminding you what information is in my power…to release or not. Now…" He indicated the corridor. "I believe you mentioned you were in a hurry?"

What am I supposed to do? Anna's pen shook uncharacteristically. Do I tell Lady Mary? She might still have an alliance with him – I don't know if she'd even believe me!

"Anna?"

Bates was at the end of the corridor. "Is everything alright?"

She only paused a moment before it all came crashing down on her. "No," she said. "No, it isn't."

Day Eleven

When Mary came out of her room that morning to go down to breakfast, she was so lost in her own thoughts that she almost missed Anna coming up beside her.

"I'm sorry – I didn't mean to startle you," Anna apologized. "I looked for you yesterday evening, but I couldn't find you."

Mary smiled. "I wasn't feeling up to dinner, I'm afraid." She paused when she saw the expression on Anna's face. "Anna…what is it?"

It's not a lie, Anna wrote shakily. I'm just…not telling her the whole truth.

"I just…" Anna started, and found the shakiness of her voice was quite real indeed. "I know Vera will come after us if we don't vote her out. She's nominated both of us before, whereas Richard…helped us…"

"I know," Mary said, sympathetically. "And I understand."

Her smile was so gentle that Anna couldn't help but smile back. "You do?"

Mary nodded. "I wouldn't trust her in this house for one more day."

"Thank you, m—" Anna stopped herself, remembering the rule about titles. Even though at this moment, she'd never felt more like a servant, with her mistress granting her a favor. "Thank you."

"Anna," Mary called after her. "If anyone is against you, they will never be on my side."

"Same for you, of course," Anna assured her, and just hoped that after today, it wasn't a lie.

"Housemates, Lady Grantham is listening to you live. Please do not curse."

O'Brien seemed to take particular joy in announcing the vote today.

"Vera Bates and Richard Carlisle, the voting is closed. The votes have been counted and verified and I can now reveal that by a vote of 3-2, the fifth person to be evicted from Lady Grantham's big brother's house is…

Vera Bates."

This was almost less of a surprise than when Lavinia was evicted. After her plan to evict Bates had fallen through, she'd concentrated her efforts more on what she would do once she was out of the house.

"See you on the outside, Batesy," she promised when nobody got up to even shake her hand. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Anna. "And you too, Anna Smith."

With that final warning, she flounced out the door, her head still held high.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief – happy his reign as house leader had finally come to an end.

I can't say I'm sorry to see Vera Bates go, Matthew wrote. Nor can I say I'm surprised – Mary was always going to vote for her over Richard. All I can hope now is he doesn't win house leader and put Sybil up.

On the other hand, Anna, who'd been overjoyed that Vera had gone – tensed considerably when Richard met her eye and nodded.

If I win house leader, I get Sybil out of the house. If I don't, then I won't be nominated, as long as I conceal Anna's secret alliance, Richard penned, excitedly. Perhaps I can finally relax for a couple days, regardless of what happens.

O'Brien's voice interrupted their musings: "Housemates, if you will adjourn to the task room where you will compete to become the new house leader."

What must we do to rid this house of Richard Carlisle? Branson wondered to his diary. Maybe someone will win house leader who will finally show him the door.

He glanced at Sybil, who smiled. Somehow, the gesture felt like good luck.

"Congratulations, Sybil Crawley – you are the new house leader," O'Brien informed the assembled group.

Sybil was so excited that she could barely contain herself. "I won!" she exclaimed, happily turning to Branson – stopping short of throwing her arms around him when she felt Mary watching them both.

"Congratulations," Branson said, happily – extending a hand for her to shake instead. Beaming back at him, she gleefully took it.

"Well done, darling," Mary put in, clasping her on the shoulder.

I've never won anything! Sybil's writing was barely legible. Finally, I can do what I like instead of listening to other people.

Anna and Bates exchanged a worried glance as they exited the task room, but quickly put on smiles when they passed Mary.

Sybil is the house leader, Anna wrote, miserably. I suppose these next couple days will either make my game…or destroy it completely.