More Than Duty Chapter 35
October 12, 1917
My Darling Matthew,
How are you my love? You must tell me truly. I read in the newspapers that the Americans are now involved in combat in France. I can only hope that the addition of more troops will bring a swift end to this war.
I know you worry that Elizabeth will forget you during your absence, but believe me darling that is most unlikely. Elizabeth asks for you everyday and often carries your picture around, showing it to everyone, proudly informing whoever will listen that you are her Papa. Oh Matthew, she is so very smart. She is learning new words every day now, and I am convinced that she knows more words than her older cousin. She is even learning to string words together, of course her favorite phrase is "no nap." She has learned to run now, and you would be surprised how fast someone so small can be.
Everyone else here is well. Sybil stays very busy and seems to like it that way. Your mother is determined to make the convalescence home run as efficiently as any military instillation. If it were not for my desire to spend much of my day with Elizabeth, I fear your mother and I would have had several arguments about the details, but I would rather play with our darling girl than argue about schedules. My mother however reached her limit and has taken to staying in London with Aunt Rosamund. Do not worry though, I see Mama quite often. Ever since the newspaper stories about us came out in the wake of General Strutt's visit, I find myself the recipient of many invitations to dinner parties in London. At first, I was not sure about accepting so many invitations, but Granny suggested that I do, reminding me that doing so could benefit you after this war if you choose to take your place in the House of Lords, so I find myself taking the train to London several times a months.
Speaking of London, the last time I traveled there, Mr. Bates accompanied me. It seems he is taking you up on your offer of assistance in regards to his martial status, so he took the opportunity to meet with Mr. Murray. I must say that while the idea of a divorced servant is still shocking to me, I shall try adjust to it, for Anna's sake and because you asked it of me.
It seems my suspicions were correct, and Edith is expecting another child sometime in February. Although I cannot help but feel a bit of jealousy, it is not nearly as bad as it has been in the past. Heaven help Edith when this war finally ends, for she seems so fertile that once her husband is home for good, I fear she could be in a permanent state of pregnancy.
I miss you sorely. I know it selfish, especially given the fact that we were just blessed with so much time together, but it is true all the same. I cannot bear to think that it shall months and likely even a year before I see your face again. You see, I feel like only half myself when you are not hear. I don't know how or when that happened, but somehow it did. So you see my love, you must return home safely, so that I can be whole again.
All my love,
Mary
/
October 30, 1917
My Darling Mary,
If it is selfish to miss the one you love, then selfishness is a sin I am well acquainted with. There are no words to convey how much I miss you Mary, although I suspect you know because I think you feel the same. I dream of you every night. It is a comfort and a torment as a dream cannot last and eventually I am brought back to the sad reality we are living in. It cannot last forever though, and God willing, I will back with you and Lizzie soon.
I am so pleased to hear about Lizzie's latest accomplishments, but I think my men here tire of hearing of them. I am sure the men laugh to think that such a little girl already has me wrapped around her little finger, but I cannot help it if I am a doting Papa when you have given me such a wonderful daughter. Kiss her often for me and tell her that I love her dearly.
If traveling to London so often is not pleasing to you, please do not do so on my behalf. I should not like to impose upon you. I have thought little about what I will do after the war ends for I have no desire to tempt fate. So you see there is no need for you to inconvenience yourself to help me in something I may or may not do.
If my mother is overstepping and usurping your authority at Downton, you must tell me and I will write to her immediately. She is my mother, but you are my wife and it is your home.
Please pass my congratulations on to Edith, and remember darling, our time will come - I am sure of it.
William is doing well and I must admit it is nice to have a face from home around. He is a good lad, so optimistic and innocent that I wonder if this war will change him. I am not sure if you are aware of it, but he is hopelessly in love with the kitchen maid Daisy. She write to him, but not all that often. It is hard to explain how much a letter from a loved one means to the men out here, so perhaps you might encourage her to write him more frequently.
Your loving husband,
Matthew
/
November 10, 1917
Dearest Matthew,
You mustn't worry that I am inconveniencing myself on your behalf - it is something I am more than happy to do. If you do chose to involve yourself in politics later, I will be pleased to have helped you lay the groundwork - not that you need my assistance darling. You are so very clever that I am certain you rise to great heights all on your own.
I am rather concerned about Sybil and would seek your advice on the matter. Granny expressed to me her concern that Sybil may develop romantic feelings for someone, someone who is not appropriate. After hearing Granny's concerns, I began to observe Sybil and now fear that Granny may in fact be correct. You see, I believe she has developed feelings for the chauffeur Branson. She hasn't admitted it. In fact, I am not even sure she truly understands her own feelings at this point, which is why I need your counsel. It is unthinkable that an earl's daughter would consider a chauffeur, but then Sybil has always embraced the unthinkable. In normal times, I would take her to London and introduce her to more socially acceptable options, but these are not normal times and most of the eligible men are away in France. Should I send Branson away? Doing so might be kinder to both of them in the long run.
With all my love,
Mary
/
"A letter for you sir," William said, as he entered Matthew's barracks.
"From Downton?" Matthew asked hopefully, as he rose from his chair.
"Yes sir. And I bring even better news than that," William said with a grin.
"What is better than a letter from home," Matthew asked, taking the letter from William and smiling at the sight of Mary's familiar script.
"Authorization for leave," William replies, hoping up another paper.
"I didn't think I was due a leave in light my recent tour in England," Matthew said as he scanned the leave notice in disbelief. "Apparently that recent tour of duty in England did not qualify as a leave, so my normal leave is still still scheduled for mid-January.
"Yes sir. We will miss Christmas, but be back home by January 10th. I'm not a footman anymore, but perhaps if I write, Mrs. Hughes can find a bed for me for a night or two so I can visit Daisy," William said.
"You don't even need to ask. There will always be a place for you at Downton," Matthew assured him.
"All the same, I think I will write to Daisy right away so that they know when to expect me," William said with a smile before hurrying from the room. Matthew had been about to call after him, to let him know that he preferred to surprise Mary, but then decided to let it be. After all, Mary was unlikely to hear of Williams visit from Daisy and even if she did, the fact that William would be home on leave did not indicate that Matthew would be as well so he could still surprise her.
/
"A letter from his lordship my lady," Anna said, entering the sitting room to find Mary sitting on a chair watching Elizabeth chase the dog about the room.
"Thank you Anna," Mary said, smiling and reaching eagerly for the letter. "Would you watch Elizabeth for a few minutes while I read it?"
"Of course," Anna replied, turning toward Elizabeth and away from Mary to allow her the ability to read her letter in private. Anna knelt down on the floor and beckoned Elizabeth over to her. "Would you like a cookie little one? Mrs. Patmore made this just for you?" Anna said, holding out cookie she knew to be Elizabeth's favorite. Anna laughed as Elizabeth ran as fast as her little legs would carry her toward the promised sweet. After taking the cookie, Elizabeth plopped down on the floor and began to eat it as the dog hovered nearby hoping for any crumbs left by his little mistress.
Several minutes later, Mary walked over and kicked up Elizabeth, kissing her on the cheek. "That is from your papa darling. He loves you very much," Mary told her.
"His Lordship is well I hope," Anna said.
"As well as can be expected," Mary replied.
"And what a blessing that he will be home again so soon," Anna added.
"Home again?" Mary asked.
"In January for his leave," Anna said before noticing the confusion on Mary's face.
"Where did you hear that he has leave in January?"
"Daisy had letter from William yesterday. William wrote that both he and Lord Grantham would be home on leave in January although I do not remember the exact date. His lordship didn't mention it to you in his letter?"
"No, but he likes to surprise me."
"I am so sorry my lady, I did not know it was meant to be a surprise."
"Don't be sorry at all Anna. In fact, thanks to you, I can surprise him for a change," Mary said with a smile. "Please send Daisy to me right away."
"Certainly," Anna said, rising to do as Mary bid. A few minutes later, the door opened and a nervous looking Daisy walked in.
"You sent for me, your ladyship," Daisy said.
"Yes Daisy. I heard you received a letter from William which said that he and Lord Grantham will be back on leave soon."
"Yes my lady. William said they will be here January and asked if he might have a bed and dinner downstairs."
"Of course he may, and if he has any particular favorites, please tell Mrs. Patmore to be sure to make them.
"William will be very pleased to hear it," Daisy said, still confused about what Mary had asked to see her.
"Do you know specifically when they expect to arrive?" Mary asked.
"On January 10th on the 4:00 train," Daisy replied.
"His lordship does not know that I know about his upcoming visit and I would keep it that way. Can I trust you to not mention my knowledge of the subject in your letters to William?" Mary asked.
"Of course, I would never disobey your instruction."
"Good. Now I will speak with Mrs. Patmore and see to it that you are given a few extra free days during William's leave. I am sure that would please him greatly and we must keep up the spirits of our men at the front," Mary said, but she was surprised Daisy's face did not reflect the pleasure she expected it to. "Does that not please you?"
"It is very generous my lady," Daisy replied.
"And yet you don't seem pleased. Why?"
"It is only that I do not wish to lead him on."
"His lordship had told me that you and William were sweethearts."
"William wishes us to be."
"But you aren't so sure," Mary guessed.
"I like William, everyone likes William."
"I see. Well, let me give you a bit of advice. Like can sometimes turn to love. Spend the time I am giving with you with him. You may find that you like him more than you thought. Now remember, not a word to him about my knowledge of this upcoming leave."
"Yes my lady."
"Thank you. You may go," Mary said. When the door closed behind Daisy, she scooped up Elizabeth again and covered her face in kisses. "Oh sweetheart, you Papa is coming home soon."
"Papa!" Elizabeth said with excitement.
"And it shall be great fun to surprise him at the train station. You shall have a lovely new dress - blue I think, to show off your beautiful eyes," Mary said with excitement.
TBC
/
Author's Note: I am sorry for the delay, but I was on vacation and did not take my computer. Also, I must say that I was extremely discouraged by a reviewer who seems to think there is nothing original in this story and it is a rip on Orangeshipper's All That is Left. I would have responded to this person privately but they left it as a guest review so that is impossible to do. I am confused by their review and also offended as I have worked very hard to make this piece different from any I have seen. It has made me much less eager to continue. I have thought about it though and decided that this is just one person and I sincerely hope that the rest of you do not feel the way this one person does.