As the months go from May to June to July, I notice more tension brewing not only at home but worldwide. I personally felt incredibly tense as I knew and know what is coming, what will happen. When, on the 28th June, the Austrian Archduke and his wife are murdered by a Serbian in Bosnia, I knew for definite then that war is on its way and it'll be different to any of the wars the people around have experienced; it's not going to be as far away or as quick as they expect.

I had gone along with the family for the season. This one was particularly special as Lady Sybil was presented to the King and Queen. Usually when they go to London, it is not always both Anna and I but considering it was the season, as well as an important one, all hands on deck were needed.

Shortly before we went, William had to go to visit his mother as she was very unwell and wouldn't live long.

While Anna returned with the family, Lady Mary had decided to stay with Lady Rosamund Painswick, her aunt, for two more weeks and since she literally can't fend for herself, I stayed on with her.

It is quite exciting to be somewhere else other than Downton but not much is happening as Lady Mary is not receiving many invitations, which can be blamed on having done four seasons and maybe the rumours about her, particularly about her and Pamuk now.

Lady Mary herself has confessed to me about her reservations about accepting Mr Crawley though I can tell she loves him. I try and encourage her not to put him off too long or he'll get the wrong idea.

Despite enjoying the new environment, I miss the usual crowd back at Downton as Lady Rosamund's lot aren't the most inclusive so I feel a bit lonely at times but Lady Mary has allowed me to wonder about as much as I want around the city. I couldn't help but find seeing how different the London is here compared to the one I knew.

—

It is later that Lady Mary had a visit from Mr Napier, who had done some investigation into where these rumours about her and Pamuk had come from. Turns out it had come from the Turkish Ambassador, in particular, the ambassador and his wife. When Lady Mary was telling me about it, she at first struggles to answer me when I sashes her how it had got to them. She eventually told me that people are believing the story to be true because it was Lady Edith who had written a letter to them. I was in shock at that.

I knew that things weren't exactly great between the sisters, but to do that?! I couldn't believe that Lady Edith would actually do that. I also began to wonder how she knew as well as my suspicions that Thomas might be linked and there is also the fact about how shaken Daisy was. Did he, or maybe O'Brien cause he tells her all sorts, got Daisy to confess?

—

It is not long before the news of Lady Grantham being pregnant reaches Belgrave Square. Now there's a possibility that this time Lady Grantham will actually have a boy, which put Mr Crawley in a less sure position than before. I worry that this will affect Lady Mary's response despite her loving him.

Her aunt doesn't help, with her getting into her head about what'll be her life if it is a boy and how she should wait till after the baby is born. I try to shoot down that idea as best I can that night when Lady Mary tells about what Lady Rosamund has told her.

"But it's not her life is it?" I say. "She doesn't know what you truly want."

"But what if she's-" Lady Mary begins but I interrupt her.

"Look I'm sorry but can you ever imagine being without him? Truly?" Lady Mary ponders my words.

—

I return to Downton and there are only two topics on everyone's lips: the baby and the assassination.

"Maybe we should knit something." Daisy says as she cleans up the dishes on the servants' hall table. I sit next to Anna and Mr Bates.

"Oh, yes, I'm sure they'd love a pair of booties knitted by you." Miss O'Brien remarks.

"Or what about a Christening mug?" William asks, sitting next to Thomas, who is reading the newspaper.

"They can buy their own silver." Thomas says.

"Also them paying us just so we can buy something for them?" I say. Thomas looks at me in surprise, probably not thinking I would indirectly agree with him.

"Anything in the paper, Thomas?" Gwen asks, coming into the room.

"They've arrested this Princip fellow and his gang. All Serbian and members of the Black Hand."

""The Black Hand"? Oh, I don't like the sound of that." Miss O'Brien says. Gwen sits down on my right.

"I don't like the sound of any of it. War is on the way." Mr Bates adds. I sit in silence as I watch history literally play out in front of me. It's weird to think how I was once sitting in a classroom learning about this and now here I am.

"Then we'll have to face it. As bravely as we can." William declares.

"Thank you, Mr Cannon Fodder." Thomas remarks.

"Well, don't you think a war's coming?" Gwen asks, looking worried.

"Oh, there'll be a war, all right. It's time to prepare for it."

"The country, do you mean?" Anna says in mild disbelief.

"No, me." I look at him concerned. Despite recent events, I don't want him going to the front. Enlisting early won't save him.

"You never disappoint." Mr Bates says, somewhat disgusted with Thomas.

Mr Carson enters and we all stand.

"Daisy? Run and find Mrs Patmore. His Lordship wants to see her in the library."

"His Lordship wants Mrs Patmore to go up to the library?" Daisy asks as if to be sure she just heard him right.

"That is what I said. And Anna, you're to come, too." Daisy goes to fetch Mrs Patmore. Mr Carson exits.

"And we thought the assassination of an archduke was a surprise." O'Brien says. Anna leaves and we sit down.

—

I soon learn about Mr Bates supposedly stealing regimental silver from his former army regiment from Anna. She is in a bit of disbelief about it and I get what she means, it's difficult to imagine Mr Bates going around nicking things. What is difficult is that he is not being very open about any more information.

I also take the chance to visit Mr Branson at the garage for a break from it all. His company often helps me relax.

—

Why Lord Grantham wanted to speak to Mrs Patmore is soon revealed. He has decided to send her up to London to see an eye specialist at Moorfields eye hospital. Anna is going with her and they'll stay with Lady Rosamund in her house in Belgrave Square. Because they are losing their cook, Mr and Mrs Crawley are lending their cook, Mrs Bird, while Mrs Patmore is away, which means the other Crawleys will eat here.

Me, Anna and Mr Molesley watch the conversation, or should I say confrontation, of Mrs Patmore and Mrs Bird with Daisy next to them from the kitchen window.

"I expect it'll be hard adjusting to this kitchen after the one you're used to." Mrs Patmore says.

"Not to worry, I'm sure I can have it cleaned up in no time." Mrs Bird replies. Oh dear.

"Cleaned up?" Mrs Patmore spits.

"I'm not criticising. With your eyesight, it's a wonder you could see the pots at all." Mrs Bird says.

Mrs Hughes hurries over, "You'll have met Daisy and the others?"

"I have. Though what they all find to do is a mystery to me." Mrs Bird answers. Why do cooks think they are so grand and mighty?

"Are you not used to managing staff, Mrs Bird?" Mrs Patmore asks.

"I'm used to getting it done with one kitchen maid, Mrs Patmore, but I suppose in a house like this, you expect to take it easy." Mrs Patmore puts down her baking spoon at that.

"Do you think we should erect a ring and let them fight it out?" Anna remarks.

"Oooh! I'd pay to see that!" I say.

Mr Molesley chuckles. "She's all right, Mrs Bird. She's more of a general than a trooper, but you need that in a cook."

Anna chuckles. "Well, Mrs Patmore's the Generalissimo." Mr Molesley and I laugh at that.

—

Daisy is serving out the soup for our meal the next evening as we all settle down in the servants' hall after the family has been taken care of. Gwen is telling me how Lady Sybil has sent Gwen's application to Mr Bromidge, the telephone man, as he is looking for a secretary. She's feeling quite hopeful.

"Will you join us, Mrs Bird?" Mr Carson asks the woman.

"I don't mind if I do." Mrs Bird replies.

"I'm not sure Mrs Patmore would like that, Mr Carson. Cook always eats separate, that's what she says." Daisy pipes up.

"Not in our house. There's only the four of us." Mr Mosely says.

I see Thomas approach Miss O'Brien and murmur something to her to which she replies scowling, but that's hardly new.

"Let the kitchen maids have theirs on their own. You stay with us." Mrs Hughes says. Mrs Bird nods her appreciation and sits at the table while Daisy finishes serving up the soup.

"Her Ladyship said to tell you that the dinner was delicious." Mr Carson tells her.

"She can't have." Daisy suddenly says. I look at her in surprise along with the others.

"Daisy? Does that surprise you?" Mr Carson questions.

I begin eating and I soon realise something's wrong. Mrs Bird herself spits out her soup and looks at Daisy.

"What have you done with this, you little beggar? I knew it. That's why I said it was for upstairs. Come on!" Mrs Bird bangs her hand on the table and Daisy jumps. "Tell us what's in it!"

"Just...water and a bit of soap." Daisy admits. We all put down our spoons.

"And you've put something in the fish sauce as well?" Mrs Bird asks though she looks like she knows the answer to this already.

"Only mustard and aniseed."

Mrs Hughes stands up enraged. "Why, Daisy? Why would you do such a thing?!"

Daisy begins to cry. "Because Mrs Patmore was worried that they'd prefer Mrs Bird's cooking and they wouldn't want her to come back."

"Is that likely?" Mr Carson says angrily. "When they've taken such trouble to get her well?"

"I'm sorry." Daisy continues crying. Mrs Bird stands and goes to comfort her.

"There, there. There are worse crimes on earth than loyalty. Dry your eyes, and fetch the beef stew I was making for tomorrow. You've not had a chance to spoil that, I suppose."

"I was going to mix in some syrup of figs." Everyone laughs. "But I've not done it yet."

"Well, at least we'd have all been regular." Thomas remarks. Daisy rushes out to fetch the stew as we all continue to chuckle.

—

I linger in the great hall excitedly watching the men work, cleaning a little bit more than I need to. Today is the day that Downton Abbey is installing its first telephones. I had seen them and actually got to use it once so I am quite excited for it to be here. Never did I think I'd be so excited over an old fashioned phone but it is a step towards more familiar technology.

Lady Sybil walks in from the Drawing room, "Carson said you were here."

"Ah, just, er, checking that everything's being done right, milady." Mr Bromidge says.

"Only we never heard back. That is, Miss Dawson never heard back from you. About an interview."

"Ah, yes, er, we-we got the young lady's letter. But the trouble is, she didn't have any experience of hard work that I could tell, so..."

"Oh, but she's a very hard worker!" Lady Sybil insists.

"Oh, I couldn't find any proof of it. And she gave you as a reference when, er, you don't run a business, milady." Mr Bromidge says before catching himself, "Well, not that I'm aware of."

I then hear my name being called, "Emma! Can you find Gwen and tell her to come to the hall, now."

"Yes, milady." I leave and hurry downstairs where I find Gwen walking through the corridor.

"Gwen! Lady Sybil needs you in the Great Hall! Mr Bromidge is here." I tell her.

Gwen's eyes widen, "Oh!" And she darts up the stairs with me behind her. When we get upstairs, Lady Sybil and Mr Bromidge are now standing in the Outer Hall.

"I will, if I like the look of her." Mr Bromidge says as we rush in. "Ah, so, young lady, you thought I'd turn up my nose at a housemaid."

"I did, sir." Gwen replies.

"Well, my mother was a housemaid. I've got nothing against housemaids. They know about hard work and long hours, that's for sure."

"Well, I believe so, sir."

"Right, well, is there somewhere we could talk?" He looks at Lady Sybil when he asks this.

"Gwen, take Mr Bromidge to the library. I'll see no one disturbs you." Lady Sybil answers.

"Okay." Gwen precedes Mr Bromidge into the next room. Lady Sybil and I stand guard in the outer hall as Lord Grantham approaches.

"Sorry, Papa, you can't go in there." His daughter tells him.

"Why on earth not?" Lord Grantham questions, confused.

"Gwen's in there with Mr Bromidge. She's being interviewed."

"I cannot use my library because one of the housemaids is in there applying for another job?" Lord Grantham asks, sounding as if he is unsure whether he heard her right.

"That's about the size of it."

Lord Grantham sighs exasperated and walks away. Lady Sybil looks at the library door excitedly before turning to me and we squeal excitedly.

I soon rush off to tell Mr Branson all about it. He found it quite funny that His Lordship couldn't get into his own library but was quite pleased for Gwen.

—

Me, Daisy William and Gwen stare at the telephone. It's funny how I was staring at it the same way they were, as if I had never seen a telephone but what I had seen looked nothing like this.

"Who do you call? No one you know has got one." William wonders.

"But they will have. You'll see." Gwen says.

"One day we won't be able to live without them." I add.

Mr Carson enters, "Might I inquire why my pantry has become a common room?" All of us straighten.

"Sorry, Mr Carson. But...do you know how it works?" William asks.

Mr Carson looks indignant at the assumption, "Of course I do." I couldn't help but think he doesn't.

"Will you show us?" Daisy asks.

"Certainly not! A telephone is not a toy, but a useful and valuable tool. Now, get back to your work." Mr Carson orders. We leave and Mr Carson closes the door.

—

Anna and Mrs Patmore return from London and I am standing next to Daisy in the kitchen to see Mrs Patmore's confrontation with Mrs Bird.

"How long will you wear them?" Mrs Hughes asks as Mrs Patmore is wearing a pair of sunglasses. Never thought I'd see the day that this would happen.

"A week or so. But I can see much better already, even with them on." Mrs Patmore answers. Thank god.

"Thank heaven." Mrs Hughes voices everyone's thoughts. "Now, we need to talk about the garden party. Mrs Bird and I have made some lists..."

Mrs Patmore scoffs, "Mrs Bird? Oh, I think we can manage without any help from Mrs Bird."

Mrs Bird doesn't take this lying down, "Can you? Well, if you want your garden party to be run by a Blind Pew, that's your business."

"Mrs Patmore, there's a lot to be done and you're only just up on your feet. We really cannot manage without Mrs Bird." Mrs Hughes says trying to keep the peace while I am simply happy to be a spectator.

Mrs Patmore huffs, "If you say so."

"Now, I've been checking the stores and I've ordered what you'll need for the baking."

"That's very kind, Mrs Hughes. But, er, I believe we should check the stores, when it's convenient." Mrs Bird says. I blink in surprise but I am quite pleased to hear it.

"Mrs Bird, at Downton Abbey, the housekeeper manages the store cupboard, but I think you'll find..." Mrs Hughes tries to say but Mrs Bird interrupts her.

"I've never not run my own store cupboard in my life. Separate the cook from the store cupboard? Where's the sense in that?" I have been thinking the same thing.

Mrs Patmore looks pretty pleased at this, "How long have I been saying this, O Lord?"

"We're the ones who cook it. We should be the ones to order it." Mrs Bird finishes.

"Mrs Bird, I shall be very happy with your help with the garden party. I'm sure we can manage it easily, between the two of us." Mrs Patmore says.

Mrs Hughes is disconcerted, she fidgets and leaves. Daisy and I smile at each other in amusement. This is not what I expected but I am still happy.

—

Awful news comes as we all learn that Lady Grantham had slipped when having a bath and had ended up losing the baby. Everyone is gathered in the servants' hall sombrely.

"That poor wee babe." Mrs Hughes murmurs.

"How's Her Ladyship doing?" Anna asks.

"I'll take her up a tray in a minute, but I daresay she won't touch a bite."

William turns to O'Brien, who had been sitting in silence, staring at nothing, "What about you, Miss O'Brien?" O'Brien looks at him like he can read her thoughts.

"What about me?"

I actually feel sorry for her in this moment. "It must've been a traumatic experience for you as well." I add.

"Yes. Yes, it was."

Mr Branson enters, this time I don't feel happy to see him.

"I think you'd better dine with us, Mr Branson. We can't know if you might be needed later." Mr Carson says.

"Well, I'm to go for the doctor at ten." Mr Branson says, taking a seat.

Thomas comes in. "What a long-faced lot."

"Kindly show some respect." Mr Carson reproaches.

"Come on, Mr Carson, she'll get over it. They're no bigger than a hamster at that stage." I frown at him. What's gotten into him recently?

"Will you shut up?" Mr Bates snaps.

"I agree. What is the matter with you, Thomas?" Mrs Hughes says angrily.

"I don't know. I suppose all this makes me feel claustrophobic. I mean I'm sorry, 'course I am, but why must we live through them? They're just our employers; they're not our flesh and blood."

I gape at him in shock. "That's no excuse." I tell him.

"Thomas, don't be so unkind." Daisy adds.

"Is there nothing left on earth that you respect?" William remarks.

"Hark at him. Blimey, if he carries on like this for the unborn baby of a woman who scarcely knows his name, no wonder he fell to pieces when his old mum snuffed it." Our jaws drop. William bolts out of his chair and punches Thomas.

"William!" Mr Carson yells.

Everyone stands up from the table as William pushes Thomas onto it and climbs on top of him.

"Thomas! William! Stop that! That is enough!"

Neither of them pay Mr Carson any heed. They roll off the table onto the floor and William punches Thomas. Thomas stops the next punch and hits William back. Mr Branson steps in and pulls William off Thomas.

"Calm down!" Branson cries.

Mr Carson holds back Thomas and shoves him out of the room. He pats William on the shoulder.

"He had that coming." Mr Branson mutters. I couldn't help but agree with him.

—

Anna pulls me to the side and confesses that she had gone to see Mr Bates' mother, who revealed that he took the fall for his wife, the one who actually was the thief.

"Well she sounds lovely!" I say sarcastically.

"I know." Anna agrees.

I gasp jokingly, "But Anna! You're supposed to be the nice one!"

She sniggers at my joke.

"Though," I say sobering up. "At least that's cleared up."

"I know. I have already told His Lordship."

Well at least there's some good news.

—

The next day is the day of the garden party. There are multiple tents set up, a portion of them for the servants to set up and organise the food and drinks. I spend the day bringing trays to and fro as well as sorting them out in the tent for the footmen to hand out to the guests. Though Thomas' face is bruised from the fight.

I'm walking across the grass of the lawn listening to the string quartet playing when a hand grabs my arm. I spin round in a panic before realising it's Mr Branson.

"Christ," I put a hand to my chest where I can feel it beating rapidly, "Did you have to scare me like that?"

He chuckles. "Sorry." He doesn't look sorry. "I have some news. I can't find Lady Sybil."

"News?" I already suspect what he's going to tell me.

He leans in next to my ear. My breath hitches at how close he is as I also realise that he hadn't let go of my arm.

"Gwen got the job."

I pull back gaping at him before letting out a small cry of happiness. He laughs at me reaction. "Well let's go find her and Lady Sybil!"

I rush off with him behind me. We find Lady Sybil first and we run over. We probably got some odd looks, definitely when we reached Lady Sybil, who is standing with Lady Edith and two other ladies. I run up to her tapping her on the arm, she turns looking at us in surprise.

"My lady, We have news!" I beam. I whisper it in her ear and Lady Sybil covers her mouth as she gasps excitedly. "Oh! Sorry." She says to the women around her.

Lady Sybil rushes off with Mr Branson and I following her, probably to the surprise of her sister and the other ladies. We run to Gwen, who's carrying a tray.

"Mr Bromidge has rung! You've done it, Gwen! You got the job!" Lady Sybil cries.

Gwen gasps excitedly and shoves her tray at Anne. "Take it! Take it!" She takes it looking bewildered and Gwen has a giggling group hug with me, Lady Sybil and Mr Branson.

"Something to celebrate?" I hear Mrs Hughes say scornfully. The group hug breaks up to face Mrs Hughes.

"I got the job, Mrs Hughes! I'm a secretary! I've begun!" Gwen explains.

"I'm very happy for you, Gwen. And we'll celebrate after we've finished today's work." Mrs Hughes replies. Will it kill her to look happy?

"Of course, Mrs Hughes." Gwen sobers and goes back to work. I realise then that I am holding Mr Branson's hand with Lady Sybil looking at us smiling. I turn to him and we stare at each other. I feel shaken feeling his bare skin against mine.

"I don't suppose that..." he begins to say but he isn't able to finish as Mrs Hughes interrupts.

"Lady Sybil? Her Ladyship was asking after you. And Emma, I'm sure that they need your help carrying more trays."

I glance back at Mr Branson before both Lady Sybil and I leave. I let out a shuddered breath.

"So do you like him?" Lady Sybil's voice breaks me out of my stupor. I blink at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She looks like she doesn't believe me.

—

The day does not seem to be going well for everyone as I see first Sir Anthony Strallan walking away from Lady Edith to Mr Crawley walking away from Lady Mary. The former sort of deserved that cause of her behaviour as well as I don't really think she should spend her life with him anyway and the latter really should've just said yes, taken a risk.

—

Out of the blue, Lord Grantham is yelling for the music to stop as he waves his hat to get everyone's attention, "Please, will you stop, please!"

The string quartet abruptly stops playing.

"My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Can I ask for silence?"

All conversations cease and I step out of one of the tents to listen along with everyone else.

"Because I very much regret to announce...that we are at war with Germany."

Everyone stands in shock. I knew this day was coming but that didn't take away the dread that filled me then. I glance at all the young men around me and wonder how many of them would actually make it home.

—

A/N: Season 1 done!