Love's Journey

by The Yankee Countess

The story and romance of Tom Branson and Lady Sybil Crawley is retold through a series of letters, diary entries, and personal POV thoughts, spanning from Branson's arrival at Downton in 1913, and ultimately leading to their journey to Ireland in (Part of the "Love's Journey Saga"-a *happily ever after* Downton universe) NOW COMPLETE!

10. A Mysterious Letter

Chapter Ten

Branson—

Please forgive the "mysteriousness" to the delivery of this message, but I thought it best to not reveal as much as possible to Anna. No doubt you are just as confused as she is by the delivery of this strange package, which as you can see are recent copies of various newspapers from over the past few weeks.

The reason for this is simply put; I need your help. And…I feel I can trust you with being discreet. Oh Lord, how "cloak and dagger" this must all sound? Forgive me; I'll get right to the point.

Gwen, who I consider a dear friend, has dreams of leaving the position of house maid and becoming a secretary. This you must absolutely be discreet about, although a bulk of the staff from what I understand already knows her desire to leave service. Still, I do not wish to bring her any further embarrassment, so please, don't say anything, even to Anna.

I've been trying to help Gwen; I even put myself down as her reference. But part of the problem is finding a place for her to apply to. Since you travel back and forth to Ripon and the other nearby villages, I was wondering if you have heard anyone say anything about needing a secretary? Or, and this explains the papers, could you help me with finding any recent advertisements? I apologize if this puts you in an awkward position; it's simply…I have no experience or knowledge in looking at advertisements, so I'm not quite sure where to start. But if you can help me and show me how, then I won't bother you further, I promise!

I know we do not know each other very well, but I couldn't think of anyone else who would understand. You seem to sympathize with the struggles women face on issues of work and equality, and Gwen so dearly wants to become a secretary and I dearly want to help her in any way that I can.

So will you help? I promise I will not pry or question you further if your answer is no, but please give me your answer later today—I will be requesting the car to take me visit Cousin Isobel; I should be alone, so you can give me your answer then.

Thank you Branson, at the very least, for your discretion on the whole matter.

—Lady Sybil