Chapter Fifty-One
Dear Sybil,
I must say, your letter came as quite a shock! I had not been expecting…
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Dear Sybil,
Thank you for writing, but I'm afraid I can't…
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Sybil,
What do you want me to say? Do you want me to pretend it didn't happen and take it all back? Because I can't…
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Lady Sybil,
No, you are right—I have never received a letter with an opening quite like the one you sent. So yes, you shocked me, indeed.
I still can't believe it, even after I reread your letter. An actual body? Cut open and…and everything exposed?
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I like to think I'm no "light weight" when it comes to…to such things as you have described, but in truth, I have never seen anything quite like that. Perhaps in books, but…never in person! I'm surprised you were able to hold your stomach and keep a level head!
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Not that I…!
I mean, I don't think you could handle…!
…Oh sod it. Forgive my coarseness, but I'm just digging myself into a deeper hole. What I mean, milady, is that I don't think I, or many others mind you, could do what you did—stand there and observe a dissected human body. I suppose I'm more of a light-weight than I'd care to admit.
Well, I can see what you mean about this Nurse Templeton, and how her teaching methods are…shall we say…rather unorthodox? At least compared to any teacher I ever had, but then I'm not the one in nursing school, so perhaps what she does, as aggressive at it sounds, is perfectly normal! But what are your numbers now? You said you began with 23 and are now down to 16? I think I may very well have been like this Gretchen you mentioned, as well as your roommate in dreading every time the head nurse looked my way! But of course, you admire her; you always manage to see the good in others, no matter how harsh they come across. Truly, once again, I stand in awe of you, Sybil Crawley—but there's nothing new about that.
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I um…I'm sure you did very well on your exam. Clearly you were not the student that had the lowest grade, otherwise you would have returned by now, so well done on passing that! Did Nurse Templeton really dismiss the student with the lowest grade? Well, I'm sure you are excelling and putting all the other nurses to shame; there's no doubt in my mind about that.
The routine you described sounds extremely rigid, but I suppose it must be if they wish to turn all of you into proper, decent nurses within a two month span. Have there been other exams? How have those been? I am curious to learn more about what goes on at the hospital. You mentioned that sometime soon, you would each be assigned a specific nurse to follow and train under at the hospital. Has that happened yet? How has it been thus far? Have you…have you had to help with…with surgeries?
Good God, even talking about it has my stomach churning. Clearly, I am the lightest of light weights.
Now, about this business with the study group; why on earth have they excluded you? Begging your pardon, milady, but…what's wrong with them? I would think any number of people would welcome your company, let alone realize how fortunate they were to have it. And I don't mean because you're the daughter of the Earl of Grantham, I just mean because…well, because you're…you: Sybil Crawley. I'm glad your roommate has been a friend to you, but clearly there is something wrong with those other girls, and I make no apologies for saying that.
As to your questions about Downton, things continue here as usual…
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Um…yes, things continue. Your sister is excelling, and may very well be ready to drive without my aid.
…At least for a short distance.
Yes, word did arrive about a week ago from Gwen; did her letter reach you in York? She's doing fine, and as to your question of whether it's a boy or girl…the answer is both! She had twins! All are healthy and strong; she named the girl Anne, which as you can imagine had Anna blushing deeply at the news, and the boy's name is…Tom.
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Poor lad; cursed with a name like that! I wouldn't wish it on anyone!
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Well, um…oh, yes you asked about Bates. I'm afraid we haven't heard anything; I'm sure even if Mr. Carson learned something, he would tell Anna straight away. But no; no news here. Of course, we all try to remain optimistic and hope for the best. You would be proud of her though; despite everything that's happened, she continues to work hard and put a smile on for all of us, even though her pain is obvious if you look into her eyes…
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Well…
I um…I'm afraid that's all the news I have to share from Downton. I'm sure your family is keeping you abreast of all that is happening. Mr. Matthew, as you know, has been back in France, but there is hope that he will be granted leave over Christmas. At least that's what Mr. Molesley tells us; he's been visiting quite a bit over the last few weeks. Mr. Carson believes it's because he's feeling "idle" without his "master to care for". However, Mrs. Hughes thinks differently, although she hasn't fully explained why she thinks this. I'm wondering if perhaps he wishes to take Bates' job? Right now, Mr. Carson and William have been alternating back and forth as your father's valet, but Carson has taken far too much on, and William…well, William is a fine footman, but a poor valet.
And as I said before, I'm afraid that's all the news I have. Not very exciting, I know, but how could it even begin to compare with all the fascinating things you're learning? With the exception of the dissected bodies…
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Hmmm…I think I will pass on supper this evening.
Well, milady, I…I thank you for your letter. It was very kind.
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I wish you the very best, and promise to pass on your wishes to Anna, William, and the others.
Goodbye,
—Tom Branson
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