As much as she loved her husband Cora Crawley sometimes wished she could strangle the man, especially at times like this. She understood where Robert was coming from. The Crawley's were English nobility they had a reputation and image to maintain. And to have one's daughter be a nurse well, It just wasn't heard of amongst there class.

Cora sighed as she sat alone in the Library. Shortly after Edith left the Library Isobel excused herself and left. Leaving Robert and Cora alone much to her liking as she wanted to have a word alone with her husband. But before she could even get a word out much like Edith Robert quickly left the room, Isis following him. She debated at first whether she should go after him, ultimately deciding against it. Thinking it best for everyone to calm down and compose themselves.

Leaning her head back against the chair she couldn't help but think of the things Edith said. About how she felt that she wasn't as loved, or important as he sisters. Unable to hold back the tears from knowing that she had let her daughter down, she sat and thought about how to make things right with Edith.

Edith didn't know what possessed her to speak to her parents in such a manner. Never would she have thought she had the courage to tell them how she really felt. She could here grandmother's words in her head "You must keep a stiff upper lip child." And today she had failed miserably, although as she walked the grounds she couldn't help but feel guilty for having said what she felt. In a matter of fact in some way, it felt freeing to have gotten all of the hurt, and resentment towards her parents out. It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she couldn't find it in herself to care.

Sitting down under her favorite old oak Edith racked her brain about what to do. She knew that one thing was for certain, she wasn't going to let her father control her life. There had to be a way to be a way for her to go to nursing school.

"Maybe Aunt Rosamund will help me." Edith thought. "Surely she will understand." Then like a lightning bolt it hit her. She did know someone who was a "modern American woman" as she once penned herself in a recent letter. Surely, she was just the person who would be on her side wholeheartedly. Standing, Edith dusted herself off and quickly made her way back to the manor.

Dearest Grandmama,

I know wrote not too long ago, but now I am writing for a reason that is very important to me. The last few weeks I have been volunteering at Cottage hospital in the village. Whilst spending time at the hospital, I have found that I enjoy it and decided that I would like to peruse a career in nursing. With the help of Cousin Isobel, I was accepted into the London Royal Hospital for school, and to train. The only problem is that upon hearing the news Papa refused to pay for my schooling and has prohibited me from even thinking about a career. For you see we are a Nobel people and a woman born into such an esteemed family we are breed to bore an heir, and be the head of a comity, whilst hosting the occasional hunting party. But you see even now as I put to paper what my future is to hold, I am horrified. I want something more and I feel that the only way I can achieve my goal is through nursing. That is why I am asking you if you would ever so kindly help me and pay the tuition for nursing school. I am committed, and I promise you if you decide to help me I will not let you down. Tuition is £100 and has to be paid in one month and three weeks. Although by the time this make it to you it will be more like a month. If you decide otherwise I will understand. Also, I would be ever so grateful if you could not tell Mama, or Papa I have written you on the matter.

With much love, Edith

Placing the letter in the envelope Edith sealed and addressed it before ringing for making her way out of her room in search of a certain chauffeur.

"Mr. Branson that goodness I have found you," Edith said relieved when after twenty minutes of discreet searching she stumbled upon him walking up the path from the garden.

"I am sorry 'Milady I was having my break, and I thought it a perfect opportunity to walk the garden. Such a lovely day out I couldn't resist."

Smiling Edith nodded in agreement. "I do agree, this garden even though it isn't as popular as the others on the property, is my favorite." Looking down at her hands she remembered why she was in search of the man before her in the first place. "Ah, Mr. Branson the reason I have been looking for you is that I need your help. You see I have this letter here that needs to be sent off immediately, and normally Mr. Barrow would be in charge of such matters, but it is very important that no one knows about this. And I trust that you can be discreet and quick to get it sent off."

"Of course, Milady. I won't be sayin' a word to no one." He said with a tip of the hat and bow of the head.

"Thank you ever so much Mr. Branson." Edith thanked him practically crying with joy as she handed him the letter. "Please have it sent express." Pulling out her pocketbook she pulled out some money and handed it over. "This should cover it."

"I'll leave right away Lady Edith."

"Thank you again, Mr. Branson, I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Nonsense Milady, it is my job."

Edith just gave a smile knowing that it would do nothing but waste time to try and convince him otherwise. "Well thank you either way."

With a nod of the head, Branson quickly walked back to heading straight for the garage.


I would like to thank everyone for the reviews. I never thought I would but I thrive on the feedback. I find I am having trouble with the dialog. I find myself writing more of how I speak, instead of how one would actually talk in 1914 UK. Which is pretty bad seeing how my grammar is a cross between Jane Austen and Cardi B. Earlier in the story I mention WRAF please forget about that for now. I jumped the gun, and it was supposed to be the QAIMNS. Sorry for the late update, I know I said Fridays for updates but I was up late trying to finish this chapter for you guys.