A/N: Shortly after Sir Anthony left


Away

"By the way" Robert, Earl of Grantham said from behind the morning paper during breakfast. "I've heard Anthony Strallan went to the continent for fighting. I wonder why they conscripted him, but not me."

Edith choked over her tea. She hadn't heard anything of this. "When did he leave?" she asked.

"I don't know" her father replied. "Last week, I think."

xxx

"Yes" the butler confirmed. "Sir Anthony left last Friday."

"Did he leave a message for me?"

"No, Mylady, I'm afraid he didn't."

So, he had gone away without a word, without a note. Edith was devastated by realising this.