DISCLAIMER: All characters and locations in this story belong to Julian Fellowes except from my OC Florence Crawley. This story has been created for entertainment only.
AN: First of all, I am sorry that I have taken so long to update this story. Thank you to everyone that has kept encouraging me to continue. Because of just how long it took me to upload, I have to be honest and say I haven't checked through this chapter as much as I would usually, so I apologise in advance for any spelling/grammar mistakes. They really are my Achilles' heel.
AN: Thank you all for your patience with this story. I was have been debating how to proceed with not just the events of this episode but with the events Season 2 in mind. I actually wrote different versions of this chapter which would take season two in two different directions. I hope you enjoy what I have FINALLY decided to go with.
AN: I do intent to continue Florence's story in Downton Abbey but I cannot guarantee when that will be but with another lockdown in progress and my masters' degree finished, there is a good chance I will be turning my attention back to fanfiction writing.
It was five weeks after the wedding. Matthew and Florence were getting ready for the move back to Downton Abbey in two weeks. It would be the during the first week of July that the family would be returning from the season. Florence was slightly sad about missing Sybil's first season but everybody could understand why she did. Matthew could not get such a long-time off work and Florence could not turn up alone only a few weeks after getting married. It would not look good on their marriage or on them as individuals.
However, when the time came for the family to leave for the Season, Florence was rather thankful to be staying behind. Four weeks after the wedding she started feeling unwell. It was nothing serious until a week later when she started throwing up in the mornings. Concerned, Matthew insisted she went to visit Dr Clarkson.
Florence visit the clinic two days later, when Isobel wasn't volunteering at the hospital. Dr Clarkson did a quick examination and quickly realised exactly what was causing her ailment.
"You, my dear, are pregnant" Dr Clarkson said, with a large smile.
Florence was overjoyed. Her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest in excitement. A baby. Her and Matthew's baby.
Florence stopped at Downton Abbey briefly to pick up a gift for Matthew before returning home before Matthew. She was back in the house in time to greet him as he returned from work but she wanted to wait until they were alone to approach the topic.
"How was your vis–" Matthew had begun to ask but quickly cut off when he spotted that Florence was shaking her head. He quickly changed his question. "How was your day?"
Matthew waited, somewhat impatiently, for Isobel to retired to bed before returning to his question. Matthew and Florence were both sat on the couch in the living room. Both had a book in hand, which they had been reading while waiting for Isobel to retire, but both books were quickly cast aside.
"How did your appointment with Dr Clarkson go?" Matthew asked.
"Good." Florence replied simply before saying, "I have something for you."
Florence quickly stood and moved to a drawer and fetched out her gift for Matthew. She had wrapped it while waiting for his return from work. She returned to the couch and handed it to him. Matthew took it with a look of confusion.
"Have I missed some sort of celebration?" Matthew asked as he began to open the gift.
Florence shook her head with smile. "Just open it."
Matthew opened it and pulled out a baby dress. To be more specific, it was Florence's old baby dress. Matthew starred at the baby dress for a long time, trying to figure out why she had gifted him a baby dress until it all clicked in his head and his head shot up to look at hers in shock.
"Are you trying to tell me that you are…" Matthew began his voice fading at the end unable to speak the rest of his sentence.
Florence grinned and nodded.
Matthew jumped up from the couch in excitement bringing Florence up with him. He pulled her into him in an excited kiss. He looked down to her happily, placing a hand over her stomach.
"A baby? Our baby?" Matthew asked in happiness.
"Our baby" Florence replied in confirmation. "Dr Clarkson believed we conceived on our wedding night. He wants me to keep checking in with him as the pregnancy progresses."
Matthew hugged her again, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. He was overcome with joy. It had occurred to him that they could have a child soon after marriage, in fact it was somewhat expected of them but it was another thing to actually hear the news.
"We will have to tell people soon before the news gets to them. You know how news gets out and travels." Florence told him.
"How do you want to tell your family? Do you want to travel to London to tell them?" Matthew asked.
Florence shakes her head. She shuddered as she thought about the train ride to London. "No, if I am anything like the past few days, I do not want to travel to London. I will write. I will send a telegram to them in the morning. We can tell your mother at breakfast."
"Does Dr Clarkson have anything for you for your sickness?" Matthew asked, finally retaking his seat.
Florence shook her head as she sat, "He suggested some natural remedies and solutions, which I've already spoken to Mrs Bird about."
Matthew leaned forward for another excited kiss. "How long?"
Florence knew immediately what he was asking, "Well if we count from our wedding night, then the due date is around February."
Matthew groaned slightly. "Eight months. We have so much to do. We need a nursery…"
"A Nanny" Florence added.
"Clothes, toys, crib." Matthew continued.
Florence smiled and reached up and ran a hand through Matthews hair. "We have plenty of time. We move back to Downton next week. Mama will help."
Florence and Matthew told Isobel the next morning to her joy. Florence then went to the telegram office to send the news to the rest of Florence's family. They received a telegram the next day back from them with congratulations. Matthew and Florence even visited Violet to give her the news. Violet was overjoyed at the idea of welcoming her first great-grandchild.
On the day that the rest of the family were due back from London was also the day that Florence and Matthew were moving into their new rooms in Downton Abbey. Florence and Matthew arrived at the house earlier than expected, to the horror of Mrs Hughes. Florence had apologised for being early but instructed Mrs Hughes to ignore them while the house was prepared for the arrival of the rest of the family.
Matthew and Florence had been given three rooms on the second floor as their private dwellings. One was officially a bedroom for Florence, another was a bedroom for Matthew that he would likely use as his dressing room, and the third was a dressing room for Florence.
When Matthew and Florence heard the motor arrive at Downton, they both descended the stairs to the main hallway just in time for Robert and Cora to walk in. The young couple paused on the bottom landing, allowing the family to make themselves comfortable and get out of their coats before they greeted them.
"What a relief to be home." Robert commented as he entered the main hall.
"Don't listen when His Lordship pretends not to enjoy the Season." Cora commented with a smile.
"When in Rome." Robert commented back, not needing to finish the saying to get his point across.
"Will Lady Mary be back soon?" Mrs Hughes asked.
"She's staying on with my sister for a couple of weeks." Robert answered.
Florence frowned. She wasn't aware that Mary wasn't returning on that day. She immediately worried that Mary hadn't taken the news of a possible second male heir very well. If their baby was a boy then it confirmed that Mary would never see the estate in her name even more so than Florence's marriage to Matthew. Florence hoped that this wasn't what kept Mary away and instead hoped that Mary had attracted a suitor or hoped to attract a suitor in London.
"So Grantham House is closed?" Mrs Hughes asked.
"It will be by the end of this week. Dear Mrs Hughes, I hope you've had some time to yourself while we've been away." Cora commented kindly.
Mrs Hughes glanced away humbly. "I've tackled a few jobs that get forgotten about when the house is full."
"And where is my darling Florence?" Cora asked.
"Right here, Mama." Florence said, finally moving from the bottom landing. Matthew followed closely behind.
Cora quickly enveloped her daughter in a congratulations hug. "We were so excited when we received your telegram. Sometime in February you say?"
Florence nodded. "Yes, we are both very excited."
"I am very happy for you both. And we shall celebrate properly at dinner." Robert said, stepping forward to pull Florence into a hug. Robert also sent a happy nod to Matthew while Cora gave Matthew a congratulations hug.
"Any other local news?" Robert asked curiously to Mrs Hughes and Carson.
"The main topic here is the murder of the Austrian Archduke." Mrs Hughes answered with a frown.
"Here and everywhere else." Carson confirmed.
"I'm afraid we haven't hear the last of that. How's William?" Robert asked concerned for the young man. He took his coat off and handed it to Mr Bates. Cora was doing the same with O'Brien.
"Bearing up." Carson answered with a nod.
"Poor chap. He has our sympathies. I think I'll wash the train off before dinner." Robert commented sadly.
"Very Good, M'lord. I can unpack with you are bathing." Mr Bates said as Robert began to walk off.
"I'll see you up there." Robert yelled back as he passed Florence and Matthew and walked up the stairs.
Cora then turned to Mrs Hughes to talk with her while Florence turned her attention onto her approaching sisters.
"I'll leave you to it." Matthew whispered to her, placing a kiss on her forehead and walking off up the stairs.
Sybil reached her first and immediately hugged her. "Congratulations. The first baby in the family. So exciting."
"Thank you. We are both very excited." Florence replied.
"I am very happy for you" Edith said, giving Florence her own hug.
The three of them turned to go up the stairs so they could get ready for dinner as Sybil asked, "Have you and Matthew discussed names yet?"
"It's a bit early yet. We haven't really started thinking about anything other than the fact that we need to think about it." Florence replied with an infectious laugh that cause the other two to smile. "Matthew was ever so worried when I first told him as he thought that we needed to get everything done right that second."
The other two giggled at the thought.
"Sybil?" Cora called from behind them.
The three of them turned to Cora who began to follow them up the stairs. They paused. Edith and Florence had reached the first landing but the other two hadn't.
"You were a great success in London, darling. Well Done." Cora congratulated.
That had been Florence's next question. She was curious about Sybil's first Season. Sybil smiled and continued up the stairs with Florence. Cora went to follow but stopped when Edith spoke.
"You never say that to me." Edith commented.
"Don't I?" Cora asked confused. She took Edith's hand as she led her up the stairs, "You were very helpful Dear. Thank you."
Florence and Sybil shared an amused look before continuing up the stairs as well.
Florence glanced back. "So Mary's staying in London?"
"For now" Cora replied without giving any further details.
Florence nodded, accepting that Cora wasn't going to expand any further.
It was only a few days later when Cora came to find Florence in the library. Florence was sat reading in her favourite chair when her mother came and sat beside her. Florence glanced up to her mother as she sat down.
"Good afternoon, Mama." Florence greeted with a smile. "Is everything okay? I thought I saw Dr Clarkson here earlier."
Cora smiled and reached out to take one of Florence's hands. "Everything is fine, my darling. I have some news of my own."
Florence looked curiously at her mother as she waited for her to explain.
"A miracle has happened. I'm pregnant." Cora said with a wide smile.
Florence gasped in delight. She leaned forward and immediately hugged her mother. "That's fantastic news Mama, though it might be slightly strange having a sibling the same age as my child."
Cora laughed slightly, "As it will to have a child the same age as my first grandchild"
Florence grinned to her mother, even as she got the realisation of what this meant, especially if they got a boy. It would change things for Matthew but Florence had never cared about the inheritance. She loved Matthew, for richer or for poorer. But they would have to consider what they intended to do, would they stay at Downton or would their prospects be better somewhere else? Despite all of that, she was thrilled for her mother. She knew that it was hard on her mother that all her children were now adults. "I'm so happy for you Mama."
Cora smiled to her as if she knew what Florence had been thinking. "Your heart is far too big darling. I know you realise what this means if it is a boy."
Florence shrugged her shoulders, "That doesn't bother me Mama. If it is a boy, I'll be very happy for you and Papa. I love Matthew. We'll have to sit down and make different plans for the future but we'll do it together. Matthew has a good job in a well paying career. We won't struggle."
Cora squeezed her hand, "When did you grow so wise and mature?"
Florence smiled and shook her head, "I'm just being practical."
"Well, I better go and tell your sisters and write some letters. I just wanted to speak to you first." Cora told her.
Florence nodded and smiled. "Thank you Mama for your consideration, even if it wasn't needed."
"Will you inform Matthew?" Cora asked her.
Florence nodded and then asked, "Would it be acceptable if we had our dinner privately later in the evening so we can talk first?"
Cora nodded and smiled understandingly, "I'll speak to the staff and let them know."
Cora stood with a final smile and left the room. Florence glanced down at her book and sighed. She would have to tell Matthew when he got back from work. She wasn't sure how he would react. He had only truly come to terms with inheriting Downton a few months ago. He was excited for it with lots of ideas of where to take the estate. She knew that this news would upset him. It would lead his life in a completely different direction, yet again, his future uncertain until the baby is born.
Florence wondered how to share the news with him. She decided that she should probably catch him the moment he returned from work. She was sure that the staff were probably already aware of the pregnancy and she would hate for him to discover it second hand.
Florence was waiting for Matthew in the reception hall when he got in from work and immediately took him upstairs. He took a seat on their bed as Florence stood in front of him.
"You look serious. Is something wrong? Is the baby okay?" Matthew asked concerned.
Florence smiled at his question, "The baby is fine. I wouldn't say that anything is particularly wrong. The family just has some news that is happy news for the family but it might not work in your favour. I've asked for us to have dinner later than the others so we can talk for a bit."
"That doesn't sound good." Matthew stated even more concerned.
Florence took a seat next to Matthew. "Mama is pregnant."
"That's excellent news" Matthew said with a smile.
Florence could see when realisation fell upon Matthew. His smile dropped. He stood from the bed and began walking to and fro.
"It might not be a boy." Florence said, trying to reassure him. "I mean they tried four times for a boy and only got girls."
"But it could be. Fifth time lucky." Matthew replied with a frown. "And I go back to being a middle-class lawyer. Hardly the husband you were expecting. I suppose I should consider myself lucky that we married before all this."
Florence frowned, "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You would never have married me if it is a boy." Matthew growled.
Florence took immediate offense to that, "I married you because I love you Matthew Crawley, not because you were the heir. If you asked me today my response would be exactly the same as it was all of those months ago. And if you even think that it wouldn't be, then you don't know me at all. How could you ever think so little of me?"
Matthew sighed and glanced down to the floor, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
Florence stood and approached him. She gently wrapped her arms around him in a hug, "You were being a silly sausage. I love you Matthew Crawley. I believe I said that I would love you for richer or for poorer and I did not say that lightly. Even if it is a boy, you and I will be okay. We love each other and we have a baby on the way. You have a secure job on a good wage. I can start selling some of my paintings privately rather than sending them to charity auctions. We won't struggle for money. So we may not be Lord and Lady Grantham but we will be okay."
Matthew sighed again, tightening his arms around her slightly and leaning down so his head was tucked into her neck. "How do you do that?"
"Do what?" Florence asked confused.
"Always say the right thing." Mathew replied.
"It's a skill." Florence said with a chuckle.
"If it is a boy, I think we should consider finding our own home." Matthew suggested. "Get settled in a home of our own."
"Like Crawley house?" Florence asked.
"Well, I wouldn't want to risk having to move out of that house when a son inherits the estate so perhaps a house of our own. I'm sure there will be one somewhere that we could afford. Maybe we could return to Manchester. My job was better paid there." Matthew replied.
"I'd consider going to Manchester, but let's wait and see that it is in fact a boy. There's still a fifty-fifty chance that it won't be." Florence conceded.
Florence and Matthew spent a lovely evening in each other's company after their serious talk. Florence could tell that the news still bothered Matthew but they put it behind them for the evening. Florence was right that they need not worry until they know whether it is a boy or a girl. Even if it is a boy they'd have time to sort themselves out.
The next day, Cora took Florence with her to visit Violet at her home. They sat down in Violet's drawing room.
"Wonderful news, of course. For both of you." Violet said to the pregnant pair, which both of them returned with a smile. "You must both look after yourselves."
"Don't worry, O'Brien has me wrapped in silk and feathers." Cora commented with a smile.
"You're lucky. I have a horrible feeling Simmons is about to hand in her notice. She's looking very fidgety lately, and I saw her hurrying to meet the postman." Violet told them, mostly to Cora who would understand.
Cora groaned sympathetically, "Poor thing. Is there anything worse than losing one's maid?"
Florence sat quietly. She doesn't have an official Lady's maid. Anna has always helped her and she used Gwen when she was at Crawley House with Matthew, but neither were Ladies maids. So, she didn't know what it was like to bond in such a way with a ladies maid.
"I mean, why would she want to leave me? I've been as gently as a lamb." Violet asked.
Cora and Florence shared amused and doubtful looks before accepting the tea from the butler.
"Most of the time." Violet added as if it were an afterthought. "And how is Matthew taking the news?"
"Fairly well considering. He is happy for you Mama, even if he will be a bit disappointed to loose Downton after getting used to the idea of inheriting it. We had a long talk about what we will do either way and we're pretty happy with the result of that. I believe he's spending some time with Papa today and we've arranged to visit Isobel this afternoon." Florence replied with a smile.
Matthew and Florence did indeed go and visit Isobel that afternoon to give her the news, though she had clearly heard it through the rumour mill before they got there. It truly did astound Florence just how quickly news can travel through a village. Matthew informed Florence on the way that her father had offered to give them Crawley house for life, which is something that Matthew relayed to Isobel. Florence did sit a little awkwardly in the house. She knew that Matthew wasn't quite as okay with it as she had been making out to Cora and Violet but she still felt awkward to hear them speaking about it.
"So, he'll give us this house for life, will he? How generous." Isobel said in a rather dismissive and mocking way which made Florence frown.
"It is generous. He doesn't have to." Matthew argued. "But it's made us think. You must stay here if you want but we wondered if it would be better for Florence and me to go back to Manchester."
Isobel looked over to the pair. "It may not be a boy."
"And we haven't made any decisions yet." Florence replied.
"But surely…" Isobel began when Matthew interrupted.
"Really, Mother. You never approved of it all in the first place. If it is a boy, you should see it as a release, not a disappointment." Matthew lectured her mother.
Florence remained sitting silently. She wasn't sure what to say to Matthew.
The door opened and Mrs Bird stepped in. "You wanted to see me, sir."
Matthew stood, his voice going kinder and more cordial. "Yes, Mrs. Bird, Lord Grantham has rather a favour to ask of you."
"I'm surprised Lord Grantham knows that I exist, sir." Mrs Bird responds.
Isobel lets out a laugh but Florence frowns and glanced over to Matthew who clearly didn't know how to respond to that. Matthew glanced over to Isobel, and then to Florence before giving Mrs Bird an awkward smile.
"Well, Lord Grantham has asked whether you would come to work at Downton Abbey in the place of their cook Mrs Patmore while she is off for some medical treatment." Matthew told her.
Mrs Bird looked shocked but nodded. "Of course, but what about food here."
"My mother will be dining at Downton until Mrs Patmore returns." Matthew reassured her.
"Then, yes, I will come to Downton Abbey." Mrs Bird said, "Is that all, sir?"
"Yes thank you." Matthew said, retaking his seat as Mrs Bird left the room. He turned to Florence, gently taking her hand. "Everything will work out in the end."
Florence smiled, "Indeed it will. T'is only a bump in the road and we have survived other bumps."
A week later heralded Mary's return from London. All the women in the household including Florence and Violet had gathered in the drawing room that afternoon to talk to her.
"So, what did we miss?" Sybil asked.
"Nothing much. Although you'd have had more invitations than I did." Mary replied. Mary turned to Florence and continued. "Aunt Rosamond asked me to pass this on to you."
Mary reached into her pocket and pulled out a small letter and handed it to Florence. Florence opened the letter and began to read. What on earth was Aunt Rosamond thinking? Florence instantly grew furious and she had to restrain herself from simply screwing the paper up. She quickly folded it and put away.
"What does it say?" Mary asked curiously.
"It does not even bare repeating. It is nonsense." Florence replied.
"It clearly said something. I've never seen you so aggravated." Cora commented to Florence in concern.
"Aunt Rosamond simply wrote to say that it is shame that I have already married Matthew and it is unfortunate that I am pregnant with his child. She believes that she has found a lawyer that would fight my case if it turns out to be a boy." Florence tells them, her teeth gritted in annoyance.
"What a horrible thing to say." Sybil commented aghast.
"You were right. It does not bare repeating." Violet agreed with Florence's earlier comment. "Do not listen to a word she says, Florence dear. You and Matthew are very happy with one another and it is a joy to have a baby on the way."
Florence smiled to Violet. "Thank you Granny."
"I'm going upstairs to help Anna unpack." Mary said, standing from the chair.
"I'll come with you." Sybil said, standing so they could walk out together and talk.
Cora turned to Florence and Edith, "Florence, Edith, why don't you go with them?"
Florence and Edith shared a glance. They could tell when they weren't wanted around. They both stood and moved to leave. Just before they got to the door they heard Violet speak. They both paused to listen to what Violet had to say.
"Sir Anthony Strallan was at Lady Wren's party. He asked after you." Violet said, pointed towards Edith.
Florence grinned as she saw Edith blushed and shyly glance away with a happy smile. It was just what she needed after reading the letter from Aunt Rosamond. The two young women left the room and as soon as the door shut, Florence turned on Edith.
"So, Sir Anthony Strallan." Florence commented coyly. "Is it serious?"
Edith smiled, "Very much so."
Florence smiled as she looped her arm through Edith's, "I'm glad."
Later that afternoon, Florence took the letter and some writing supplies outside so she could compose a letter back to Aunt Rosamond. She chose to do it outside in the most peaceful place on the estate to try and attempt to temper the letter slightly. It was as she was sat out on her bench that Matthew appeared.
"I was told I could find you out here." Matthew commented, drawing her attention to him as he approached. He took his hat off.
"Good afternoon" Florence greeted as Matthew leaned down and gave her a kiss before taking a seat.
"Anything interesting?" Matthew asked pointing to the letter that she was writing.
Florence signed, "I'm writing to my Aunt Rosamond to ask her to keep her unsightly rear out of other people's business."
Matthew looked to Florence in disbelief and chuckled in amusement. He had never seen her so aggravated and he had definitely not heard her say something against someone else in such a way before. "And what has your Aunt Rosamond done to deserve your scorn?"
"She wrote to me and has said some rather horrible things that do not deserve the air it takes to repeat them. It is ridiculous and disrespectful. The very thought of it…" Florence began ranting, pausing when her frustration grew. She stopped to take a deep breath and calm down before she said something unladylike.
"And now I feel that I must know what she has said that had upset you so." Matthew commented, reaching out and taking one of her hand. "I hate to see you upset and whatever she has written has upset you."
Florence sighed and pulled out Rosamond's letter. She holds it out but before she lets him take it she says, "Remember that I believe this to be ridiculous and would never even consider it."
Matthew nodded and took the letter. His fists clenches as he read it. He had to breathe very deeply to work through his own anger. Florence's own aunt was suggesting that she left him and their child if Cora's baby turns out to be a boy. Not only that but she was calling their marriage a 'shame' and their baby 'unfortunate'. Florence plucked the letter out of his hand when it was clear that he was finished reading it.
"You see now why I was so aggravated and why I said it did not even deserve the air it takes to even speak it." Florence said, placing the letter back under the own. She quickly skimmed what she had written so far and decided that she could not possible send it. "I came out here in the hopes that my response would be taking the high ground with a respectful dismissal but I'm too aggravated for that. I think I will have to ask Papa to deal with Aunt Rosamond. He would be furious if he read this."
And indeed he was. Absolutely furious.
"You can leave your Aunt Rosamond to me." Robert had said immediately after reading the letter himself.
That evening after she was ready for dinner, Florence headed over to meet with Edith. She still wanted to know more about Sir Anthony Strallan. Apparently they had been stepping out more often than Florence had thought. They gossiped happily until it was time to go down for dinner.
Edith was walking slightly in front of Florence so it wasn't a surprise that Mary didn't see Florence when she appeared from behind a column and grabbed Edith's arm aggressively to stop her.
"Is it true you wrote to the Turkish ambassador about Kemal?" Mary hissed angrily.
Florence was stunned. She'd heard the rumours about Mr Pamuk dying in Mary's bed but had dismissed them. She knew that Mary had been taken with Pamuk but she didn't believe that Mary would accept him into her bed. And Edith was the one to start the rumours? Was it true or was it another part of Edith and Mary's rivalry?
"Who told you?" Edith questioned.
"Someone who knows that you did." Mary replied.
"Then why are you asking?" Edith asked calmly.
"Because I wanted to give you one last chance to deny it." Mary told Edith, still unaware of Florence's presence behind them.
"And what if I did? He had a right to know how his countryman died. In the arms of a slut." Edith questioned firmly before storming off, leaving Mary stood in the hallway.
"The rumours were true?" Florence asked from behind Mary.
Mary spun around in shock and looked to Florence in horror. Mary remained speechless unable to confirm or deny it. Florence took that as her answer. The rumours were true. Mr Pamuk had died in Mary's bed and the whole world knew. Mary's virtue was ruined. Florence gasped in horror.
"Does Mama and Papa know that it's true?" Florence asked.
"Mama does." Mary admitted before demanding, "But Papa must never find out. He dismisses the rumours. He can't know."
"Mary…" Florence began but Mary quickly cut her off.
"No. He can't know." Mary demanded.
"I wasn't going to tell him, Mary. God knows how he would react. Sybil with her politics and then you and Edith with this." Florence said, "As far as the world cares, I did not hear that conversation, but you and I both know that I did."
Mary looked somewhat relieved that Florence promised to not tell Robert or anybody else, however, Mary would not look to Florence for the duration of the meal so Florence remained clear of her afterwards. She instead spent the evening with Sybil having a lovely discussion about Sybil's first Season and her ball.
The next week saw the return of Anna and Mrs Patmore but also the terrible tragedy. Cora had slipped when getting out of the bath and had fallen heavily onto her stomach. The fall caused her to lose the baby.
Florence heard the news at the same time as Mary, Edith and Sybil and the four of them sat in a miserable silence. They had lost a possible brother or sister. Florence felt terrible and not just about Cora losing her baby. She knew that that could easily have been her and her baby. She didn't know how she would cope if she lost her baby. Granted, the morning sickness was horrible for her - she rarely managed to eat the breakfast that Anna brings her until a good hour after it is brought up - but she wouldn't change the fact that she was pregnant for anything.
Cora was heartbroken and so was Robert. Cora was put to bed and she remained there for the rest of the day, asking to be left alone. When Matthew returned from work that day, he immediately moved to Florence's side. He was suitably saddened that Cora has lost the baby, especially when he saw Robert's distress. He picked up on the work that needed doing within the house so Robert could be left to grieve. Florence picked up the work for the garden party as Cora was recovering and grieving.
Florence wanted to see her mother but worried that she was the last person that Cora would want to see right now. Florence was a pregnant woman and would be a stark reminder of what Cora had just lost. So, she remained clear, sending her love through Robert and her sisters who all understood Florence's position.
The 4th of August saw the arrival of the garden party. Florence was acting the hostess for the party as Cora was still grieving, though Cora did make it outside for the party itself. It was the first time that Florence and Cora had really seen each other since Cora lost the baby and Cora reassured Florence that her worries were unfounded. Florence had O'Brien settle Cora on a chair under the main gazebo where she could stay cool and relaxed in the summer sun.
Florence spent a majority of the party buzzing around, through the guests, playing the perfect hostess. Florence also ensured that her mother had a steady stream of company. Florence was only pulled away from playing hostess when Matthew approached her.
"You should take a seat in the shade for a while. You mustn't stress yourself." Matthew commented with a smile.
"Oh, as if the hostess ever could." Florence replied with a laugh.
"Everybody is fine. Everybody is having a good time. The food is perfect and the staff are working diligently. Everything is fine. You have done your bit. Please do take a break. It is not good for the baby." Matthew said, placing his hands on her upper arms gently.
Florence sighed but nodded. "Very well. But only if you joined me?"
"That is a question that does not even need answering my love." Matthew replied leading Florence under the gazebo.
Matthew glanced over to where Robert was stood with a woman. "Is that your delightful Aunt Rosamond?"
Florence glanced over and nodded, "Oh yes. She has been studiously avoiding me since she has arrived. I wish I knew what Papa said to her in his letter."
Matthew chuckled, "If it has garnered such a reaction from her, then so do I."
Florence smiled over to him, before looking out again and spotting Violet walking with Isobel. She chuckled her herself, "Considering they seem to always be fighting, Granny and your mother do seem to gravitate towards each other a lot."
Matthew glanced over also, "Yes, I sometimes wonder whether they enjoy fighting with one another."
"I'm sure they do." Florence agreed. "It is the only explanation."
Florence and Matthew shared an amused glance.
"So, my mother was asking me whether we have considered any names yet. I keep telling her it is early but she is very persistent." Matthew commented off hand. "She mentioned that most girls have had their children's names picked out from when they were very young. Did you?"
"When I was child I had some names that I liked but I'm not sure I would actually name my child them." Florence replied.
"And what were they?" Matthew asked curiously.
"Edward Robert for a boy and Penelope Elizabeth for a girl." Florence replied.
"Edward and Penelope. I like them. Do you not like them anymore?" Matthew asked.
"I never said that. But I'm not one hundred percent set that they would be right for our children and I didn't know what you thought of the names." Florence replied.
"Please, will you stop, please!" Roberts urgent yell drew Florence and Matthew's attention.
Robert was running to the middle of the garden party. "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Can I ask for silence?"
Florence and Matthew shared a confused and concerned look at Robert's urgent yelling. Everybody fell silent and turned their attention to Robert. Florence could see the staff appearing from inside their refreshment tents and gazebos.
"Because I very much regret to announce… that we are at war with Germany." Robert announced.
Florence let out a quiet gasp as she and Matthew looked to each other in concern. What did a war with Germany mean for them? If this war was as large as seemed to be growing, then it did not fare well for Matthew. Matthew was a young, fit and healthy male. He would be expected to sign up and do his part for the country. The fact that he had a child on the way would not prevent him from being drafted.
Florence reached out, grasping Matthew tightly. What would happen to them?
The early days of the war seemed promising. The government believed that the war would be finished by Christmas which meant that it would be finished before the birth of their child. For that reason, Matthew was willing to sign up and he did.
Christmas came and went but there was no sign of the war ending any time soon.
Florence began worrying that she would be giving birth to their child without Matthew. He was granted leave around the time that Dr Clarkson believed she could be due but the baby decided not to make an appearance and Matthew had to go back to war. He reluctantly left, knowing he would not be given leave for long time after that. He would miss the birth of his first born.
February twentieth. Six o'clock in the morning saw the birth of Grace Penelope Crawley. At 6.3 pounds she was a small baby. She had small tuffs of light hair and the typical baby coloured eyes. Florence wondered what colour the eyes would change to as she aged.
Florence immediately wrote to Matthew and few days later was able to get a picture of Grace and herself to send to him.
Grace was already four months old when Matthew was able to get some home-leave and return home. Florence was stood by the front door with Grace in her arms when Branson pulled up with Matthew in the back of the motor.
Matthew climbed out and immediately came to Florence's side. His attention was immediately on the little baby in Florence's arms. His face showed his absolute awe. Grace's eyes were already starting to change colour. The baby blue that every baby has was changing to the same emerald green that Florence had. Grace's hair had thickened and had remained blond like her fathers.
Matthew reached out to run a hand down Grace's soft cheek. Her hand escaped the bundle that the Nanny had wrapped her in to go outside. Matthew took the hand and laughed joyfully as Grace gripped his pointing finger.
"Do you want to hold her?" Florence asked gently.
Matthew looked up to Florence and nodded. "Okay, put your arms out."
Matthew did so. Florence nodded and began to hand Grace over to him.
"Make sure to support her head." Florence warned.
Matthew did so, giving a half laugh and half cry as he held his daughter, his first child for the first time.
AN: Thank you to all of my reviewers. It fills me with so much joy to hear that people are enjoying my writing.