In Julian Fellowes' version, I thought it was insulting how Robert's culpability was covered up in order to get Cora to forgive him. Furthermore, Robert wasn't just forgiven, he was absolved. This what I don't understand when I read things about Robert Crawley's "redemption arc". He didn't have one; he never faced consequences for his actions or decisions (keeping Sybil's condition and Clarkson's advice from Tom because the thought of deferring to an ex-employee was beneath him; bringing the family to financial ruin; screwing around on his wife while she was ill, etc...). Instead, a conspiracy of lies was orchestrated so that this privileged grown man wouldn't have to examine his actions or admit responsibility for them. "Mommy" bails him out. Sybil's grave was pissed on so that Robert wouldn't have to have anyone angry at him. I felt it was beyond offensive. But those are two of Julian Fellowes' trademarks: writing drastic plot turns for drama and then not wanting to deal with the aftermath and men of privilege destroying the lives of others without lasting consequence for their own.
Anyway...In this revision, Violet will not be an apologist for Robert. Talking to Clarkson, she confirms his role in Sybil's condition and decides to let the aftermath unfold naturally. Sybil will make her recovery and the family relationships will heal slowly in their own time.
As usual, words in italics are my own alterations or stage directions.
Season 3, Episode 6
Pg 177
Violet goes to see Clarkson as she does in canon. In this version, Sybil has stabilized but it still unconscious. More research will be done for medical accurracy.
Clarkson: You wanted to speak to me Lady Grantham.
Violet: Yes. On a troubling matter, I'm afraid.
Clarkson: How can I help?
Violet: I want to talk a little more about the condition of my granddaughter.
Clarkson: A terrible, terrible circumstance.
Violet: But now I am concerned beyond that.
Clarkson: Oh. Are you worried for the child?
Violet: No, not especially. No. She seems quite a tough little thing.
Clarkson: Are you fond of babies?
Violet: Of course.
Clarkson: What's your favorite age?
Violet: About sixteen.
Clarkson: So how can I help?
Violet: Dr. Clarkson, my daughter-in-law is quite convinced you could have prevented this altogether had you been allowed.
Clarkson: Well, one can never speak of these things with certainty.
Violet: Well, that is the point. What was the likelihood of Sybil's coming through smoothly?
Clarkson: Had we started treatment earlier? It might have been avoided. There are cases when intervention saved the mother after pre-eclampsia.
Violet: How many cases?
Clarkson: I'll have to do some research.
Violet: Then can you do it?
Clarkson: It was the way SIr Philip set his face against any-
Violet: Sir Philip Tapsell is a vain and tiresome man. We won't quarrel over him. However, the fact remains that a division has been created between my son and his wife, when the only way to weather this storm is to face it together.
Clarkson: So you want me to lie and tell them Lady Sybil's condition was inevitable?
Violet: 'Lie' is so unmusical a word. I want you to review the evidence, honestly and without bias.
Clarkson: Lady Grantham, I can philosophize about the meaning of 'lies', but if I tell her ladyship that her daughter's suffering was inevitable, that is what it would be.
Violet: Well, I asked you for candor. I suppose I have to thank you for it.
