A/N: Thank you to everyone who has followed and favourited this story
—
It's time for the extravagant house party at Downton Abbey which culminates in a performance by opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Ten are staying, and only three maids and two valets between them. Mr Carson must be in a tizzy. Among the guests is Michael Gregson, who is keen to win Robert's approval if he is to make a future with Edith. Emma has been recruited in their plan.
In the Great Hall, the guests are assembled, standing and talking in little groups with cups of tea. Robert and Cora are busy making the guests welcome. Emma stands close by Edith and Mr Gregson, who had told her to call him Michael though she finds it funny that it's the same name as her son. She's glad for the familiar face of Edith and the friendly one of Michael's as she's a bit nervous and uncomfortable to be surrounded and mingling with all these people of high society. Not her usual crowd at all.
"I seem to be outnumbered by your parents' old friends." Michael complains as he walks with Edith and Emma across the room. Emma glances over to see Robert and Mary mingling with a man around her, Edith and Mary's age.
"Oh, don't worry. You and Papa are really going to get to know each other this time. I promise." Edith reassures him.
Emma's eyes flicker over to Billy being pulled into a conversation with the elderly Duchess of Yeovil and looking incredibly uncomfortable. Emma had been introduced to the woman earlier and she had been nice enough but Emma could see the woman didn't know what to say to her. Tom is unfortunately conversing with a Sir John Bullock and Mrs Jefferson and looking like a fish out of water himself. Emma will go to rescue him in a moment.
Emma, Edith and Michael pause in their walking next to a group that includes Violet, Cora and some man. Cora turns to them and joins in on their conversation. At least one parent has warmed up to Edith's suitor.
Emma is pulled out of her musing by Robert speaking loudly, to the room at large, "Go up when you like. We'll gather in the drawing room at eight."
—
Billy and Tom are both in white tie outfits. Tom had expressed to her how he thinks he looks like an idiot but Emma reassured him that she still loves him to which he smiled. Emma knows that three of them are walking a tightrope, she herself is wearing clothing that's more upper class than her usual.
A Sir John Bullock seems quite taken Rose, the two laugh and talk with one another as they walk through the room. Edith and Michael are murmuring to one another. Michael seems to have not been able to get a wiggle in on Robert's attention. Duchess has secured Billy's company again. Emma watches them out of the corner of her eye as she chats with Mrs Jefferson. They had gotten onto the awkward topic of child rearing.
"What do you mean you feed your children yourself?" Mrs Jefferson asks aghast.
"Oh, it's no problem." Emma tries to say as cheerfully as possible. She regrets mentioning her children; she had thought it was a safe topic.
"But a wet nurse is for that."
"Well, I-I want to be involved with my children's upbringing as much as I can considering the life I now lead." Emma defends.
"And you want to go back to work?" The woman asks in disbelief.
"Yes." Emma replies shortly.
"What on earth for? You're a mother. A wife. You shouldn't be working." Mrs Jefferson argues.
"Not until Michael doesn't need me as much and it's not as if they're being left on their own." Emma points out. This woman is acting as if she's left her children in the woods to starve! God, she hates this century sometimes. "They have their nannies, each other and Lord and Lady Grantham's grandchildren to keep them company."
"Is everything alright?" A voice interrupts.
Emma is relieved to see her husband. "Of course." Mrs Jefferson takes this as an indication she should move on and leaves the two.
Tom frowns as Emma smiles tightly at him. Then nods and grips her wrist loosely, squeezing it. Emma knows he's trying to show he understands. They're both fish out of water right now.
The Duchess moves on to talk to Mrs Jefferson and Violet then approaches Billy and after a whispered conversation, she moves on, leaving Billy standing there looking crestfallen. Emma wonders over with Tom.
"Do you need cheering up?" Emma comments as they approach. She gives a sympathetic but also awkward smile.
Billy pouts. "I can't seem to do anything right."
Tom sighs. "I know how you feel." Emma winces as she recalls the awkward encounter with Mrs Jefferson earlier. Thomas walks past with some drinks on a tray. "Thomas, get us a drink, will you, for God's sake." Tom whispers desperately.
Thomas' reply is icily polite, "It's Barrow now, sir. But yes, of course." He walks off.
"Should've known." Emma remarks to her husband. "And make sure not to drink too much. I'm still recovering from the Greys."
"That wasn't our fault as you well know and he never corrects you." Billy reminds her.
Emma shrugs with a grin. She sees Mary sitting on her own. "Well, now that the two of you have each other, I'll have a chat with Mary."
By the fireplace, Robert is talking to Sir John Bullock and Mr Sampson. Lord Gillingham joins the group. Emma hears them talking as she walks over to Mary.
"Are you surviving?" Mary questions teasingly as Emma flops herself onto a chair next to Mary's. Well, flops as much as she's able.
"Barely." Emma pouts. "Better than Tom and Billy though. They resorted to asking Thomas for drinks."
"Watch out." Mary remarks with a slight smile. Emma rolls her eyes. She's glad to have Mary coming more out of her she'll, she had missed her so.
They're then joined by Lord Gillingham, who brings up the idea of going on a ride.
"It's no trouble." Mary reassures him. "We have plenty of horses and Papa would be delighted. Have you anything to ride in?"
"We packed it all, in case."
"Well, that settles it. I'll send a message to the stables tonight."
"Will you come out with me?" Gillingham asks. Emma raises an eyebrow. This is basically upper class 1920s asking out on a date. Is quite funny how they can't be direct with one another.
"Actually, I might. Emma?" She looks at Emma with a hopeful look.
Emma winces sympathetically. "Mary, have ever actually seen me on a horse?" She had been at a couple of birthday parties in her childhood but she was definitely not a skilled rider. Better be safe than sorry.
"True. Though I haven't been in the saddle for ages. I'll be as stiff as a board the next day." She and Gillingham share a laugh. This man might not be much but he seems alright though Emma thinks it's still a bit too soon after Matthew. Mary turns to address the room at large. "Would anyone else like to go riding tomorrow morning? Sir John?" He shakes his head from where he stands at the fireplace with Robert and Mr Sampson. Mary turns to the latter. "Mr Sampson?"
"Must I?" He remarks. The men chuckle.
"Edith?"
Edith turns to Michael. "Do you ride?"
"Not if I don't have to." He speaks. Edith turns back to Mary and shakes her head.
Gillingham turns to Mary. "I'm afraid you're stuck with me." Which doesn't sound like it's a big problem for him at all. The man seems nice enough but Emma is really that impressed by him. Maybe her opinion will soon change.
—
The next day it's time for some breakfast. Emma had been able to feed Michael and check on her two children before joining the family.
Emma walks in to see Tom already seated at the table, eating next to Rose with Billy across from them with Edith and Michael Gregson next to him.
She's impressed by the spread on the sideboard. Gemma has told Emma how incredibly stressed Mrs Patmore has been. Emma hopes she doesn't put herself out. In other news, Gemma has also informed her that Mr Molesley is delivering for Bakewell's. Emma feels sorry for him as she knows he'll view it as a step down but hopefully he'll find something soon.
Emma, along with Robert, joins Lord Gillingham and Sir John at the sideboard.
"You played late. I hope you didn't think me rude for going to bed." Robert greets.
"No. Not a bit." Gillingham reassures.
"What's this?" Emma asks as Sir John walks away from the sideboard.
"Just a game of cards." Robert says evasively. He hurriedly turns back to Gillingham. Probably doesn't want to be interrogated. "How was the game?"
"Sampson is a very skilled player." Gillingham says pointedly. Emma frowns. What does he mean by that?
Sir John Bullock sits down next to Rose, looking despondent. Probably another player from last night.
Emma moves to the table and sits next to her husband while Robert sits down at the head and addresses Tom and Billy.
"What are your plans for today?" He asks.
"I thought I'd go to the South Wood, look at the new planting." Tom replies.
"And I've got to get to work." Billy answers.
"Won't you help me entertain our guests?" Robert asks, more like demands. The two men shift uncomfortably.
Emma quickly interrupts. "I think the most important thing is that they're abandoning me."
"What do you mean?" Robert asks, confused. "You have our guests to talk to."
Emma winces. The man doesn't truly get what she, Tom and Billy are feeling.
Tom turns to her fondly. "Just give me two hours off and I'll spend all my time with you."
Emma grins before turning to Billy. "See. He doesn't leave me."
"My job isn't optional!" Billy says exasperatedly but fondly.
Robert interrupts the joking mood. "Be sure not to be too long."
Billy nods tightly, begins finishing his meal and leaves. Emma looks on sympathetically. Tom has Emma to act as a barrier with Robert but what does Billy have?
Emma looks to Edith who has the same look on her face but then minutely gestures to Robert. Oh yes, Emma had promised to enact the plan.
Emma turns to Robert. "I was thinking of going on a walk with Edith and Mr Gregson after breakfast. Why don't you come?"
Robert looks at Michael awkwardly before dismissing the idea, "I don't think so. I've got too much to do, rounding this lot up. Coffee?"
"Not yet, thank you." Robert rises and walks off to get more coffee. Edith turns to Gregson, apologetic. Emma frowns annoyed.
Tom looks at her amused. "Have you been plotting with Edith and Mr Gregson?"
Emma shrugs. "Maybe…"
Tom shakes his head at her with a smile then pecks her cheek. "Well, I need to get going. I'll be back in a few hours"
"You better."
—
Michael, Emma and Edith walk into the Library after their walk. Emma had been concerned about third wheeling but the couple had made her feel welcome. They had come across the nannies taking the children out. It was quite funny having the two Michaels meet though the younger didn't contribute much as he's only two months old.
Other male guests are loitering about in the room, reading newspapers. Robert is at his writing desk. The women had gone to look at the gardens. It reminds Emma of when her own mother and aunt, whenever they were at each other's houses, they'd give each other tours of their gardens. Emma feels saddened when she thinks of her family. She wonders what happened after she fell into the past. Are her family looking for her?
"I'm getting quite fluent." Michael informs them. His comment brings Emma out of her thoughts.
"You're taking German lessons?" Edith asks in disbelief.
Emma lets out a strained chuckle. "Well, he does plan on going to live there." She really still doesn't like the idea, not in this era of German history.
"No, no. Of course." Edith turns to Michael as they slow to a stop. "I just can't get over the fact you're doing all this to be with me."
"Whatever it takes." Michael says with a smile.
"You two are disgustingly sweet," Emma remarks. Edith smiles shyly while Michael continues to smile.
They approach Robert at the desk. Michael and Edith exchange a look, Michael silently encouraging her to tackle the matter.
"Michael was admiring the library." Edith says to her father when she walks closer. Emma and Michael trail behind.
"It's marvellous." Michael says as he walks to stand next to Edith. "Edith tells me there's a Gutenberg Bible."
When Robert replies, barely looking up from his papers, "Yes. It's a shame our librarian, Mr Pattinson, isn't here. He's the only one who knows where anything is." He rises. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I must go and sort out the wine for tonight."
He walks off. Michael crosses his arms, hiding his annoyance behind a wry smile. "He doesn't approve of me."
"He doesn't know you." Edith corrects.
"Nor is he likely to." Edith scoffs at his words.
"He will. One way or another." Emma declares.
—
After dinner, Emma, instead of joining the women in the Drawing room, had gone to the Nursery to look in on the children and is making her way down the stairs into the Hall when she comes across Jimmy tentatively flexing his hand.
"Jimmy?" She calls, startling him. She gets to the bottom and looks at him curiously. "Is everything alright?"
"Of course, Mrs Branson. Just had an unfortunate accident with my wrist." His eyebrows furrow as he rubs it.
"Well, let me see." She offers her hand and Jimmy gingerly places his wrist in it. Emma has a look over it before declaring, "You've probably just sprained it a bit. I recommend wrapping it in some bandages for now, let it rest and go to the hospital tomorrow."
"Yes, Mrs Branson."
"Right come with me, I'll bandage it for you." Emma begins to pull him towards the Library.
Jimmy looks at her with wide eyes. "No, no, it's alright, Mrs Branson."
Emma rolls her eyes. "Come on." She hears voices from the Dining room and quickly pulls Jimmy, who reluctantly follows, away. She leaves him in the Small Library so she can dart upstairs to get the nursing kit she keeps in her room.
Emma slips past Gillingham, Sampson, Robert and Michael as they walk through the Hall and into the Drawing room and overhears some of their conversation.
"I'll join you if you like." Robert is saying to Sampson. Oh dear, seems he's being pulled into a card game.
"Is there a place for me?" Michael asks as Emma slinks up the stairs. His words give her pause. Maybe Robert will finally get to know Michael.
Emma turns away to go back up the stairs and accidentally collides with Rose.
"Oh!" Emma exclaims. "Sorry, I—" She then sees Alfred standing on the steps behind Rose and carefully carrying a large, heavy object covered with a dark cloth. "What's that?"
"It's a surprise!" Rose says cheerfully though can't help but think she looks like she's been caught red handed.
"A surprise…" Emma deadpans.
"Yes, please don't tell!" Rose pleads.
Emma sighs. "Oh alright. But only because I just don't want to get involved."
Rose beams. "Come on Alfred!" She calls as she darts down the stairs. Emma steps aside so the poor footman can make his way down without an accident happening.
She grabs the kit and makes her way back to Jimmy, who is perched uncomfortably on a chair and bouncing his knee anxiously.
"Here we go!" Emma declares when she steps inside, starting him. Is she really this terrifying?
She gets to work and to fill in the awkward silence, she begins talking. "I suppose this is why Thomas was playing footman tonight and looked like a child whose sweets had been stolen."
Jimmy winces looking genuinely guilty. "I helped opening a jar and it didn't go well."
"I can see that." Emma remarks with a smile, which Jimmy returns.
—
Emma has only just joined everyone in the Drawing room and is talking with Tom near where Billy sits with Cora, Violet and the Duchess when, suddenly, there is the sound of a gramophone from the Hall. Everybody looks up.
Rose comes walking in at the open door. "Is there anyone who wants to dance?" Emma huffs a laugh. This was what she was up to.
"I jolly well do. If it's with you." Sir John remarks as he eagerly follows her out into the Hall.
"I love dancing, but these days I haven't got a partner." The Duchess laments.
"Billy? You're dressed for it." Cora hesitantly suggests.
Billy looks like he'd like to be invisible, but, after a moment's pause, turns to the Duchess and says dutifully, "Would you care to dance with me, Duchess?"
"I should love it." The Duchess says enthusiastically. They get up. Billy offers her his arm.
Tom raises an eyebrow at Emma. "Well?"
Emma purses her lips; she isn't really a fan of dancing but she supposes that she can't miss the opportunity to be held in the arms of her husband. "Very well."
They link arms and pass Michael and Edith as they move to leave the room.
"I hate to pass up a chance to hold you in my arms, but…" Michael says.
"Why do you have to play?" Edith complains.
"Because I've said I will."
"Don't worry, you and Emma can share me." Tom suggests as they pause next to them.
Emma huffs a laugh and smiles at her husband teasingly. "You only say that because you don't want to be left to the wolves."
"So?"
They all chuckle and depart from the room. Emma glances back to see who's left in the room and sees Violet in her seat with Mary sitting next to her and Lord Gillingham approaching them. Hmm…
—
They are all in the swing of it when Mary and Gillingham come walking out into the Hall too and start dancing.
"What do you think about Mary's new beau? I can't help but think it's a bit too soon." Emma comments to Tom.
"Don't know. You know I've been trying to avoid talking to most of them." Tom says dejectedly.
Emma smiles sympathetically. "I know, but I can't help but feel Billy is having a worse time than you." The two of them glance over to see Billy really looking uncomfortable and replying with short answers to whatever the Duchess is saying.
"Hmmm…"
It is then that Emma and Tom, having not looked where they were going, accidentally collide with Mary and Gillingham, who had stopped dancing. Emma turns to apologise but then sees the stricken look on Mary's face. Emma pulls away from Tom and looks towards where Mary is looking and freezes. Alfred is in charge of the gramophone by the stairs, a gramophone that looks awfully like the one that was Matthew and Lavinia's wedding present. Oh, dear.
"Rose?" Mary then says, drawing the attention of a beaming Rose in the arms of Sir John and causing them to stop. "Where did you get that?"
"I found it in the attic. I got Alfred to bring it downstairs." Rose replies.
"I'm so sorry but I... I can't dance after all." Mary says shakily before stepping away.
"Perhaps–" Sir John begins to say but Mary walks away upstairs without another word.
Gillingham looks at all of them puzzled. "What was that about?"
"The gramophone. It belonged to Matthew." Emma explains. She harshly turns on Rose. "Rose, what were you thinking?!" She hisses.
"I'm sorry. I, I didn't think." Rose apologises. Rose looks massively guilty.
Gillingham looks massively disappointed. "What a pity." He walks away, too. After a pause, Rose and Sir John resume dancing.
Emma turns to her husband. "You go dance with Edith. I'll talk to Mary." Tom nods and Emma goes up the stairs after Mary.
—
Mary is lying on her bed, fully clothed, looking miserable when Emma opens the door to admit herself.
Emma hesitantly approaches the bed. "Mary? Do you want to talk about it?"
"Did you know that Rose had found Matthew's gramophone?" Mary says plainly. There are no tears on her cheeks but she does look sombre.
Emma purses her lips and slowly sits down on the edge of the bed next to Mary as she speaks, "No, but I did see her getting Alfred to carry something down. I should've asked more questions and she should've asked you."
"Well, you weren't to know and she didn't ask." Mary sighs. "I feel very sad tonight."
Emma reaches over and places a hand on her arm. "And no wonder. She shouldn't have had it brought down and set off your memories." She says reproachfully.
Mary shakes her head. "No, it's not that. At least, it's not only that. Sometimes I don't know whom I'm most in mourning for, Matthew or the person I used to be when I was with him."
Emma smiles slightly. "You're a fine person, Mary. Fine and strong. And you'll learn that for yourself as time goes by." She says sincerely. "You just haven't worked out how to show those qualities yet after the loss of Matthew."
Mary sits up on the side of the bed causing Emma to shuffle back to give her some room. "I made rather an idiot of myself in front of Lord Gillingham."
"He won't mind." Emma reassures her. "He seems quite interested in you, though you must know that you shouldn't feel pressured into anything. You know what's better for you."
Mary smiles softly. "Thank you."
—
Emma pulls Jimmy along to the Hospital to get him properly checked and treated. When they emerge, Emma spots Isobel and Violet talking in the square near the latter's car. Emma sends Jimmy off on his way and approaches the two women.
Emma passes when she hears Violet say, "Look, my dear, I don't want to be unkind, and you have my sympathy, truly. But it won't bring him back for you to sit alone, night after night."
Emma swallows tearfully. She knows what Violet means but the problem is not the day someone dies as you have things to do, but it's all those days after that they stay dead.
"I know. But you see, I have this feeling that when I laugh or read a book or hum a tune, it means that I've forgotten him. Just for a moment. And it's that that I can't bear." Isobel replies.
"'Better by far that you should forget and smile, than that you should remember and be sad.'" Violet quotes.
"But Rossetti was writing about her own death, not her child's."
"Isobel!" Emma calls cheerfully as she approaches them. "Are you coming to the concert after all?"
Isobel sighs but smiles slightly. "I suppose I must."
—
The family and guests, ready for dinner, are waiting for Dame Nellie Melba to arrive in the Drawing room.
"What on earth can she be doing?" Cora wonders to Violet, Isobel, Emma, the Duchess, Mary and Gillingham as they gather in a group; some sitting, some not.
"Should someone go up and see?" Mary suggests.
Violet frowns in confusion. "I thought she was going to sing after dinner."
"She is." Isobel replies.
"Then why would we want to see her before?"
Emma rolls her eyes at the response.
Mary and Gillingham drift off to talk to one another but Emma still stays with the others. She had looked in Lady Raven's direction earlier and felt a bit too scared to leave the safety of Cora, Isobel and Violet. Emma sees that in another part of the room, Sir John is trying to make small talk with Tom and Billy. It doesn't seem to be going well.
Cora calls over Mr Carson to ask him where Dame Nellie is and they learn she isn't joining them.
"She's in her room? How long has she been there?" Cora asks indignantly.
"Her maid took her some tea when she arrived." Mr Carson replies.
Emma frowns. She thought the singer had turned up too late for afternoon tea, but apparently, she's been here the entire time?!
"What?" Cora expresses in shock.
"And I'm about to send up dinner."
"Doesn't she want to eat with us?" Isobel questions.
Mr Carson looks affronted at the notion. "I didn't think it appropriate, ma'am, and his lordship agreed with me."
"You're kidding me?!" Emma exclaims just as Isobel huffs, "I can't believe my ears."
Cora sighs irritably and gets up from her chair. "Robert?" She waits for him to step closer to her so the rest of the room won't hear. After a hushed but angry conversation with her husband, Cora turns to Mr Carson, who has walked up behind her, murmurs to him then he replies to her before she quickly hisses at him before giving him a disdainful look and walks off, out of the room.
—
In the Dining room, they are being served dinner by Alfred and Mr Molesley, who is surprisingly wearing a footman's livery, in a perfectly tranquil and dignified atmosphere. Suffocating.
Dame Nellie Melba has joined them, sitting next to Robert. The man better behave.
Billy incorrectly turns to his right and murmurs to Emma, "When do you think we can make our escape."
Emma smiles awkwardly and apologetically to Lady Raven, who looks a bit put out that Billy has so rudely turned away from her.
"I don't think that's possible and you really shouldn't be talking to me." Emma murmurs.
Billy grimaces and turns back to Lady Raven while Emma talks to Rose, thank God. Cora turns to talk to her other neighbour, which thankfully means Emma and Billy can now chat with each other. Relieving Billy of whatever awkward small talk he was making.
At the other end of the table, Mary is talking to Gillingham. She laughs suddenly. Emma only catches it slightly and looks in Mary's direction in surprise.
She turns back to Billy, who murmurs, "I don't think she's laughed like that since Matthew died."
"No…" Emma frowns. "I am glad to hear it, but…"
"What?"
Emma sighs. "I'm not sure how I feel about Lord Gillingham of all people causing it."
"Don't you like him?" Billy questions.
"He's alright I suppose." Emma replies. "But I want to shake him and tell him that her husband hasn't even been dead for a year yet, what are you doing?"
"It's been a year and 8 months or so for me." Billy says quietly.
Emma looks at him sorrowfully. "And you have all the time in the world to find someone or not."
"Not anyone from this world." Billy huffs, downing another drink and Emma wonders how many he's had. "None of them would understand me. Not like Sybil."
"Then who?"
Billy doesn't answer her as Mr Molesley pours him a new glass of wine.
—
Emma loses Billy after dinner, which concerns her, but before long, it's time for Dane Nellie's performance and Billy has thankfully appeared once again.
Chairs have been set up for the audience in the Great Hall. Dame Nellie stands by the grand piano and sings 'Songs My Mother Taught Me' by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, accompanied by a pianist.
By the staircase, at an 'appropriate' distance from the family and guests, chairs have been set up for the servants as well. In one section are Mrs Hughes, Mr Bates and Anna in the front row, while Mr Molesley and some visiting valets are in the back row. In another section are Daisy, Ivy, Mrs Patmore, Alfred and Dr Clarkson in the front row, with some valets, Lucy a kitchen maid and Anne and George in the back row. Mr Carson and Thomas stand listening in a corner, the former enchanted, the latter unreadable. Emma glances at him amusedly before turning her focus back to the performance.
The song ends and everyone applauds. Emma sees Anna get up and walk quietly out. Gemma had told Emma about a rambunctious game of cards in the Servants' Hall that Emma is sad to have missed. Perhaps all the yelling has given Anna a headache.
"And now for one of my favourites. 'O Mio Babbino Caro' by Puccini, from Gianni Schicchi. And I'd like to dedicate this to love and to lovers." Dame Nellie announces. Emma and Tom smile at each other and clasp hands as she begins to sing.
During the singing, Emma notices that Anna still hasn't come back. She frowns, Emma has a bad feeling.
She touches Tom's hand. "I'm going downstairs."
Tom looks at her in concern. "What for? Is everything alright?"
Emma nods, trying not to show her worry. She doesn't want to worry her husband when she doesn't even know why she's having this bad feeling. Tom reluctantly lets her go and she slips out of the room.
—
Once Emma is making her way down the stairs, that's when she hears it, distant screaming. Emma gets to the bottom and realises it's coming from what she recalls as the Boot room. She steps into the Kitchen and grabs a pot that's been left on the side, preparing for whatever she's going to face. It must be Anna and she's clearly in distress.
She opens the door to find Anna on the bench with lots of objects on the floor. Emma only sees the back of a man on top of Anna.
Emma can't bear to think of what he is doing and instead yells, "What on earth are you doing?!"
He spins around but she doesn't give him a chance to answer and whams him over the head with the pot. He staggers in shock and collapses to the floor. It is only then that Emma can see his face and recognises him as Lord Gillingham's valet. He seems unconscious and she doesn't spare another thought for him and instead turns her attention to Anna, who, thankfully, while shaken and teary eyed, has only a few tears in her clothes and her underwear completely intact.
"Anna?" She tentatively calls. Oh god, he almost- almost-
Anna sobs, breaking her from her thoughts. She looks at Emma with wide and tearful eyes. Despite not being raped as Emma had feared, Anna's entire appearance is a mess. Her hair is down making her look completely dishevelled. Her clothes are hanging loosely about her, her face and lips bruised and bloody. Anna overall looks extremely distressed and Emma doesn't blame her.
Emma sighs. "Come with me. I can patch you up." Emma gently wraps her arm around the shaking woman and guides her so she's standing upright on the ground. "Let's go to Mrs Hughes' Sitting room."
—
Emma is patching up Anna and treating her the best she can when Mrs Hughes walks in.
"Shut the door. She turns back to Anna." Emma says urgently. She doesn't want anyone to see Anna yet. Not until they've discussed what to do.
Mrs Hughes turns and looks at the scene in front of her in alarm. "Oh, my God!"
"Shut the door!" Emma sharply whispers before turning back to the nursing kit she had gotten from her room and packs up her supplies. She hates the fact that this is the second time in two days she's used this.
Mrs Hughes obeys. Anna gets up despite Emma trying to get her to sit down. "Will you help me? Will you find me some clothes?" She desperately asks the housekeeper.
"Of course, I will, but..."
Anna keeps talking, ignoring her. This is the first time she's spoken since Emma found her in the boot Tom with- with-
"Will you see to Lady Mary? Say, um, just say I've gone home with a headache." She's completely beside herself. It's a wonder she can still think as straight as this. It didn't even happen to Emma and she's shaken and frightened, having used her nursing as a distraction.
"Anna, I really think you should tell someone." Emma suggests.
"I agree." Mrs Hughes speaks. "I can manage Lady Mary, but Anna, we must tell someone!" She totally knows what has happened. Emma and Anna don't have to explain anything.
"No, no, no!" Anna cries frantically.
"But you'll have to tell Mr Bates!" Emma argues.
By the look on Anna's face, this is clearly her worst nightmare. "Him least of all! If he knew, he'd murder the man who's done it and then he'd be hanged!" She says pleadingly.
"But surely..."
"He's a convicted felon! D'you think they'd spare him a second time?"
Emma looks down thinking she's probably right though isn't happy with this.
"No." Mrs Hughes quietly replies. There's a pause as Anna sobs. "Maybe the doctor's still here." She makes a move towards the door. Anna pulls her back by the arm.
"Will you listen?!" Anna cries desperately. "Please no Doctor, Emma has treated me. I'm fine. I just need your help, or I wouldn't have told you. Nobody else must ever know. You promise me!"
Mrs Hughes speaks with a deep sigh, "Wait here. I'll fetch you some water and a comb." She runs her hand along Anna's cheek in a comforting caress. "And see what I can find you in the way of a dress."
Anna lets her go, still crying, and retreats to a corner. There she sinks down against the wall, sobbing inconsolably. Emma sits on the floor and cradles her.
—
Emma sees Mr Bates walking along the corridor just as she and Anna step out of Mrs Hughes's Sitting room. Anna is now wearing a black white-trimmed dress, her hair redone neatly.
He steps closer with a frown; he's likely seen the marks on her face. "What happened to you?"
Anna replies, avoiding his eyes. "I was drinking a powder when I suddenly felt dizzy and I... I must have fainted. I think I hit the edge of the sink as I went down. Emma found me and patched me up a bit. It was stupid really."
Mr Bates looks at Emma questioningly and she reluctantly nods. He's unsure but nods.
"You've changed your dress." He observes. He's deeply concerned by her obvious distress, but he doesn't understand what's happened. Not yet.
"Yes. It's badly marked. I've put it in to soak, but I'm not sure I can save it. Mrs Hughes lent me this." Anna takes her coat and hat from the hook by the door. "Come on, let's go."
"What's the hurry?"
Anna doesn't answer and walks out into the yard.
Mr Bates looks to Emma in question. Emma avoids his eyes. She can't look at the distressed face of a husband not understanding what's happened with his wife, why she's acting so strange.
Emma makes a quick excuse about her children needing her before hurrying away. When she reaches the stairs, she sees the valet that had attacked Anna emerging from the Boot room further down another corridor. He's staggering and holding his head in pain. She really doesn't want him to see her just in case he'd had enough time to see her face before she whacked him so she darts up the stairs hoping he hasn't seen her.