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.
The day that Robert's new heir was to arrive at Downton was here. It had been a trying time since the visit from the Duke. Mary was still sour about the Duke not proposing to her. It had been made even worse when she realised that she was not the new heir. It made Downton Abbey rather tense.
Florence, Edith and Sybil were a lot calmer about the whole affair but Florence knew that that was because they had nothing to lose. They would not inherit not matter happened to the title and estate.
Florence had been sat in the reception room with a new medical book when she heard Cora and Robert coming down the stairs.
"I simply do not understand why we are rushing into this." Cora commented.
"Matthew Crawley is my heir." Robert declared as they paused on the last landing in the staircase.
"Patrick was your heir and he never lived here." Cora argued.
Florence leaned forward to get a better view of them as if that would make it easier to listen in.
"Patrick was in and out of this house since the day he was born. You saw how many of the village turned out for the service." Robert counterargued while prompting them to start walking again.
Florence quickly sat back up straight as they came closer. She buried her nose in her book so it looked like she hadn't been trying to listen in on their conversation.
"Nothing's settled yet." Cora declared.
"It is settled, my dearest one, whether you like it or not." Robert said as they passed where Florence was sat with her book. She placed the book down on the seat beside her. She stood and followed them, getting ready to speak to them when they were done with their own conversation.
"I wouldn't say that. Not while your mother breathes air." Cora replied.
Robert didn't seem to have a verbal response to that other than a chuckle. That seemed like the end of the conversation so Florence called out, "Mama! Papa!"
Both of them turned to face her. "Florence, what can we do for you?"
"I was wondering when the Crawleys are going to arrive and whether I can go and welcome them to Downton? Put a good foot forward so to speak." Florence asked with a smile. "If they are to be moving to Downton then we want to make a good first impression don't we?"
"That would be wonderful Florence." Robert replied with a large smile on his face. He could always rely on Florence. "They should have arrived by now. You could ride down if you would like."
"I suppose we should invite them for dinner tonight. You can pass on our invite while you are there." Cora relented.
Florence smiled and nodded before leaving. She decided against riding through the village and instead walked down to the Crawley House. It was a lovely day so it made for a pleasant walk. She rang the doorbell and for somebody to answer the door.
Molesley answered the door and Florence couldn't help but smile at the sight of the man who had been away for so long. Florence had been very young when Molesley left the village of Downton but she could remember the kind man.
"Hello, Molesley. It's good to see you back in Downton." Florence said with a large smile.
"Lady Florence. It's a pleasure to see you. I suppose you are here to see the Crawleys." Molesley commented.
Florence nodded, "Yes please Molesley."
"Follow me, M'lady." Molesley said showing her in.
Molesley led her through the house. As she walked she realised that she could hear a conversation that was coming from the room that they were heading towards. She guessed that this conversation was between the new heir, Matthew Crawley and his mother, Isobel Crawley.
"So, if you don't mind, I would rather not confirm their expectations." Isobel said only just audible. Florence wondered what Isobel was referring to.
"I have to be myself, Mother. I'll be no use to anyone if I can't be myself. And before they… or you… get any ideas, I will choose my own wife." Matthew replied, his voice echoing through the corridors.
"What on earth do you mean?" Isobel asked, her voice becoming clearer as Molesley and Florence approached the correct room.
"Well, they're clearly going to push one of their daughters at me. They'll have fixed on that when they heard I was a bachelor." Matthew commented, his voice clear as Molesley and Florence reach the doorway.
Florence sighed at the comment. She wanted to frown and get annoyed at the comment that Matthew had made. She had expected a better attitude but he was thinking the worst of her parents, even if it was probably true. If there was no way to break the entail, or Robert remains firm on not even trying then the plan would be to encourage a marriage between Matthew and Mary. So, she couldn't get too annoyed.
Molesley stepped in and immediately introduces her, "Lady Florence Crawley."
The two Crawley's spun around to face the doorway in shock. They were both aware that Florence would have heard at least part of their conversation. Florence stepped into the room, and Molesley turned to leave.
"I do hope I am not interrupting." Florence commented with her best award-winning smile.
There was a moment of awkward silence as the two Crawley's just seemed to stare at her in shock. Matthew was looking at the beautiful woman in front of him in a small part of horror. He wondered how much she had just heard. The last thing he needed was for her to get the wrong impression of him.
"Lady Florence." Isobel finally greeted.
"Just Florence, please. I came to welcome you to Downton. Mama also asked me to extend an invitation for you both to dine with us tonight. Unless you are too tired from your journey?" Florence said, keeping the award-winning smile on her face and genuine tone of voice.
"We would be delighted." Isobel replied.
Florence glanced at Matthew but couldn't work out the look that he had on his face when he looked at her. Matthew was looking at her, no longer in shock, but in admiration. Matthew was sure that the most beautiful woman in the world was currently stood in front of him. She was beautiful and he had to admit that if he was correct about the Crawleys wanting him to marry, he wouldn't mind if it was Florence. She was beautiful and so far had been very welcoming despite what she heard as she came in. He did briefly wonder whether all of the Crawley daughters were as beautiful as the one stood in front of him.
"Good. Come at eight." Florence said with a smile, before turning to leave.
"Won't you stay and have some tea?" Isobel asked kindly.
Florence thought for a moment about declining. After all, Matthew Crawley did say something that was offensive to her family. But then she reconsidered. Whatever he said or did, she had come down to welcome them to Downton.
"I can stay for a while. I will have to return to Downton before too long to let them know that you accepted our invitation." Florence replied.
"Of course. Come, take a seat." Isobel said, waving towards the chairs. "I'll call for tea."
Florence smiled and moved to the closest chair. Isobel did indeed call for tea before taking a seat as well. Matthew took a seat on the couch, next to Florence.
"So, what is your first impressions of Downton?" Florence asked both politely and curiously. It was always a safe beginning point for small talk and Florence was always curious to know what people thought of their village.
"It is very quaint." Isobel replied. "It looked very beautiful on our journey in."
Florence nodded, "The village take great pride in the keeping the village clean and presentable. I would imagine the village is very different to Manchester."
Isobel nodded. "Well, yes. It is very different but I am sure we will enjoy the fresh country air."
"That's good. I am hoping that you grow to love Downton as much as I do." Florence said kindly. "You will find that the people who live in Downton are very nice. If you ever need help finding anything, just ask and they usually try and help you."
"Definitely a change from Manchester. People would barely look at you in the streets." Matthew commented.
"Yes. It is mostly the same in London when we visit there. But I suppose here is more a community than London or Manchester." Florence said as Molesley walked into the room with a tray of tea. He poured the cup of tea and offered it first to Isobel, who added milk and sugar before taking the cup. Molesley poured out another cup of tea and offered it to Florence. Florence simply added milk and took the cup. Matthew waved Mosley away before Molesley could pour out another cup. Molesley then offered out a plate full of biscuits. Matthew was as equally dismissive of Molesley's biscuit offer as he was with the tea. However, he then stood to make his own tea before sitting back down. Florence sipped at her tea in thought about what she was seeing. She wondered whether to address it or not. Did Matthew realise what it looked like to other people when he did that? If he did that at Dinner, it would be like a feast for the sharks. Florence decided to address it.
Florence waited till Molesley was out of the room before addressing it, "Pardon me for speaking so frankly but you seem to be rather reluctant to use Molesley."
Matthew seemed to flounder for a moment at her straightforwardness before answering. "I am just not used to such service. It is all a big adjustment."
"Yes. I imagine it is. Please do not mistake me. I am not berating you for needing time to adjust but I would warn you that some members of my family will not think kindly of it." Florence said kindly between sips of tea, "We care very much about our staff at Downton and they would not like to think that Molesley is not being utilised as he should"
"Thank you for the warning." Isobel said as Matthew was left dwelling on what Florence had been saying.
Florence gave them both a smile before glancing at the clock. "Now, you must excuse me. I must return to Downton."
"Of course. And we will see each other this evening." Isobel said with a cheery smile.
Florence gave her teacup to Molesley who had reappeared and stood. Florence gave both Matthew and Isobel a charming smile before leaving the room and following Molesley out of the house.
That evening when Florence was almost ready for dinner there was a knock on her door. She called for them to enter. All she had left to do was put on her jewellery. She was wearing a royal blue dress with silver lace around her bust, chest and waist. The skirt had embraided silver flowers on it. She had two blue straps over the shoulders to hold the dress up. Her hair was pinned up elaborately with an ornate hair pin at the top. Cora entered the room with a smile.
"Are you ready?" Cora asked her.
"Almost Mama. I just need to put my earrings in and put my necklace on." Florence replied with a smile.
"Can you come over to Mary's room when you are done?" Cora asked gently.
"Of course. I won't be more than a few minutes." Florence replied while picking up her earrings.
Cora smiled and walked up beside her. "You look beautiful this evening, Flo dear."
"Thank you, Mama." Florence replied.
Cora smiled to Florence through the mirror before leaving the room.
Florence quickly finished putting in her earrings and slipping her necklace on before making her way to Mary's room. She knocked on the door and entered when Mary called out. She obviously entered in the middle of a conversation as Cora and Mary were talking without elaborating or clarifying the topic of conversation.
"But why are they here at all when you're going to undo it?" Mary asked Cora after waving to Florence in greeting.
"Your father's not convinced it can be undone." Cora said gently.
Florence was immediately clued in on what they were talking about. The entail. She moved to stand by Cora's side. She could only imagine Mary's reaction when she discovers that Robert had no intention to fight the entail at all.
"But you'll still try?" Mary asked.
"Granny and I are willing to try." Cora replied honestly.
Mary turned with a frown on her face. "And Papa is not?"
"We'll bring him round. You'll see. We're trying to find a lawyer who'll take it on." Cora told Mary reassuringly before turning to Florence and asking, "So what are they like?"
"They both seem lovely, Mama. They're trying to adapt to their new life. She seems very keen to get to know us all and he's…" Florence said, pausing when she got to Matthew. She considered his comments that she'd overheard and his dismissal of Molesley's services.
"Yes?" Cora prompted.
"Very sure about himself and what he wants" Florence concluded.
"So he's full of himself" Mary concluded herself.
"That's not what I said." Florence protested.
Cora gave Mary a disappointed look before turning back to Florence, "What do you mean by that?"
Florence shrugged one of her shoulders. "He just knows what he wants. Or at least, that was my impression. We should go down and you can decide for yourselves."
Cora led Florence and Mary downstairs where they met with the Dowager Countess Violet, Edith and Sybil. Cora placed herself at the front of the other women with Violet behind her. Mary went next, then Florence, then Edith and Sybil brought up the rear. Cora led them through to the entrance hall where all of the staff that hadn't opened the doors and taken the guests' coats, stood in a line. Lord Grantham was entering from the opposite side of the entrance hall with the guests when they walked in.
Florence locked eyes with a nervous looking Isobel. Florence gave her a smile that was both welcoming and reassuring. Isobel returned her smile. Florence then locked eyes with Matthew. Her smile widened a little when he immediately smiled towards her. She gave a slight nod of her head and a reassuring smile.
"Welcome to Downton." Cora greeted.
"Thank you. You've been so kind." Isobel replied.
"What a reception committee." Matthew said, looking around the gathered people, from the family to the staff. Unfortunately, everybody in the family side looked around awkwardness. Matthew had just made it very clear that he wasn't used to such receptions which is something that happened for every guest. Every house that Florence had ever visited had welcomed her in this manner. Not only had he shown his ignorance, he's shown it in front of the staff. Sharks, meet the newbie feast.
"Yes. Thank you." Isobel said, breaking the awkward silence.
Robert seemed to regain his own steam and motioned towards Carson who led the line of staff. "This is Carson. We'll all be lost without him." Before he moved over to the families side. "Mama, may I present Matthew Crawley and Mrs. Crawley." He directed the next bit to Matthew and Isobel, "My mother, Lady Grantham."
Isobel stepped forward to greet Violet asking, "What shall we call each other?"
"Well we could always start with Mrs. Crawley and Lady Grantham." Violet replied, looking slightly affronted that the question had even been asked in the first place.
Florence immediately felt sorry for Isobel. Violet could be a strict woman but once you have gotten her in your corner, there was nobody better to have on your side. Cora must have been slightly sympathetic as well as she stepped forward to break up the awkward moment. "Come into the drawing room and we can made all the proper introductions."
Cora led Isobel back towards the drawing room.
Florence awkwardly hovered before turning to walk after her mother. She somehow ended up with Matthew beside her as they moved into the drawing room. He leaned to the side and muttered for her to hear, "She seems nice."
Florence gave him a half sympathetic and half apologetic look. He smiled back at her to let her know that he wasn't angry or put out by her.
"Matthew, Mrs Crawley, I'd like to formally introduce my daughters. Mary. You've met Florence already. Edith and my youngest Sybil. Ladies, this is Matthew Crawley and his mother Mrs Crawley." Robert said cordially.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Isobel said to all four of the ladies, regardless of the fact that she had already met Florence.
"The pleasure is ours, is it not?" Florence said when none of the others spoke up. She asked her question rather stern manner to her siblings, who nodded.
"Indeed, a pleasure to meet our cousins." Sybil continued with a small smile in support to Florence, who gave a thankful look back. "Welcome to Downton."
Cora moved so she was stood beside Florence. She squeezed Florence shoulder in thanks. Florence could always be relied on when they needed a bit of social grace. Mary was stood with a rather unimpressed look on her face. Violet was stood next to her with an equally unimpressed look. Now Florence new where Mary got it from.
Cora approached Isobel and began a conversation with her. Robert seemed to be speaking with Violet. Florence wasn't sure she wanted to know what they were discussing. Florence moved to Matthew.
"I'm sorry for Granny. She can be a bit sharp. Try not to take it personally. She's sharp with most people." Florence said in a quiet tone so she wasn't overheard by Violet. She may want to be nice to Matthew but she wasn't suicidal. She didn't want Violet to overhear her.
"I don't think she is very impressed with us." Matthew commented in the same quiet tone.
Florence looked to him reassuringly, "You'll grow on each other."
"Before or after she's thrown me to the dogs for stealing the estate and money?" Matthew asked.
"Before. Definitely before. I think. Maybe. If you are lucky." Florence said, sounding sure at first and then getting less sure. She gave him a cheeky smile to let him know that she was only joking. "You can stand behind me. I'll protect you. Dogs love me."
Matthew chuckled. "Why thank you."
Florence smiled, "Mama told me that you were a solicitor. What type of law did you work with?"
"Industry law mostly." Matthew replied, rather surprised that she was interested in the type of law that he dealt with.
"What did you think of the Industrial Arbitration Act? I'm sure it would come up in industry law at some point" Florence asked curiously, knowing that the act had only recently passed from reading the newspapers and then reading further into the topic out of curiosity.
Matthew looked to her a mix of surprise and interest. "Well, I think it sets out very firmly what the definition of strikes and lock-outs are and what the consequences are for taking part in them. That certainly makes my job easier."
"Yes, I imagine having it clearly stated in writing means less arguments" Florence agreed. "Will you miss it?"
"Miss what?" Matthew asked in confusion.
"Your job in Manchester." Florence clarified.
"Well, doing law in Manchester won't be too much different from doing law here I imagine. Maybe slightly different forms of law." Matthew told her with a shrug of his shoulders unaware of the foe-par that he had just eluded to.
"You intend to take up a job here?" Florence asked in both surprise and confusion.
"I actually already have a job set up in Ripon. I start tomorrow." Matthew told her, a smile on his face, still unaware of the problem.
Before Florence could say anymore to that curveball, Carson appeared to announce that dinner was ready to be served. They were all shown through to the dining room. Florence was placed in-between Matthew and Edith at the end of the table. She was thankful that neither Matthew nor Isobel had ended up seated next to Violet. She could just imagine how badly that would go down. Going around the table, beginning from Robert, it was Isobel, Mary in the end seat, Sybil, Cora, Matthew, Florence and Edith at the end, Violet and then back to Robert.
"Do you think you'll enjoy village life?" Robert asked Isobel as Barrow began to serve the food, beginning with Isobel. "It will be very quiet after life in the city."
"Even Manchester" Violet added as Robert was served.
"I'm sure I'll find something to keep me busy." Isobel replied cordially.
"You might like the hospital." Cora suggested.
"What sort of hospital is it?" Isobel questioned with interest. "How many beds?"
"Well, it isn't really a hospital." Violet protested as Barrow served Violet, and William offered the sauce to Isobel.
"Don't let Doctor Clarkson hear you. He thinks it's second only to St. Thomas'." Robert commented with a smile.
"It's a cottage hospital, of course, but quite well equipped." Cora relented, still speaking to Isobel.
"Who pays for it?" Isobel asked curiously as Barrow moved on to serve Edith and William moving to serve Robert.
"Oh good let's talk about money." Violet commented with an annoyed expression.
Matthew's eyebrows raised and he glanced across to Florence who just gave him another apologetic look before turning to take the food from Barrow.
"My father gave the building and an endowment to run it." Robert said to Isobel, ignoring Violet's comment. "In a way, he set up his own memorial."
"How splendid." Isobel commented genuinely.
"And Mr. Lloyd George's new insurance measured will help." Robert continued.
"Please don't speak that man's name. We are about to eat." Violet said sternly.
"I will hold it steady and you can help yourself, sir." Barrow said in a quiet tone to Matthew, however, everybody could hear him.
"Yes, I know. Thank you." Matthew said with an annoyed tone.
"You'll soon get used to the way things are done here." Mary commented, a happy grin on her face.
"If you mean that I am accustomed to a very different life from this, then that is true." Matthew replied with a cordial tone which wiped the smirk from Mary's face and put a smile on Florence's. Matthew glanced across and saw the smile on Florence's face and smiled himself.
"What will you do with your time?" Sybil asked from the other side of Cora.
"I've got a job in Ripon. I've said I'll start tomorrow." Matthew replied, his smile still in place from making Florence smile.
Florence's smile however dropped at his announcement even though she had already known. She could see immediately what was coming.
"A job?" Robert questioned with a frown.
"In a partnership. You might have heard of it, Harvell and Cater. They need someone who understands industrial law, I'm glad to say, although I'm afraid most of it will be wills and conveyancing." Matthew explained.
"You do know I mean to involve you in the running of the estate?" Robert questioned with a frown on his face.
"Don't worry, there are plenty of hours in the day, and of course I'll have the weekend." Matthew said confidently.
"We'll discuss this later. We mustn't bore the ladies." Robert commented, putting an end to the discussion.
"What is a 'weekend'?" Violet asked, looking very serious.
Matthew looked at Violet shocked before looking to Florence who was biting her lip to stop herself from laughing at Violet's question. This made Matthew smile. He thought for a moment himself that Florence really was beautiful. The candlelight seemed to reflect off of her skin. Her skin was slightly paler than most of the women around the table. Her hair was a dark black and her eyes were a dazzling emerald green. They were unique and he seemed to get lost in them.
The rest of the meal seemed to go smoother after that, with the neutral personalities leading a neutral conversation. Things seemed to be going well until they had to separate into men and women. Florence knew that despite the possible disagreement over Matthew's job, Matthew will be okay with her Papa. Isobel however was still with Violet and Mary. Florence knew that Isobel wouldn't receive any help from Cora or Edith unless Violet or Mary really went over the line.
Cora and Isobel led the women out followed closely by Violet. Mary and Florence walked behind Violet while Edith and Sybil brought up the rear. All of the women could hear the conversation as they walked to the drawing room.
"I am so interested to see the hospital." Isobel said to Cora with a large and eager smile on her face.
"Well, you would be with your late husband a doctor." Violet interjected, making Isobel's face fall.
"Not just my husband. My father and brother, too. And I trained as a nurse during the war." Isobel said.
"Fancy" Violet said in a mocking tone.
"I think that that is very admirable. Everybody must do their bit during a war." Florence spoke up from the back which gained her a thankful look from Isobel and annoyed look from Violet.
"I'd love to be involved in some way." Isobel commented to Cora.
"Well you could always help with the bring-and-buy sale next month. That would be most appreciated." Violet commented as they all entered the drawing room.
Florence made sure to take a seat by Isobel. She felt like her support was still needed. It was obvious that a majority of people in the room were against Matthew and Isobel being there.
"I could take you there tomorrow afternoon and introduce you to Dr Clarkson, if you'd like. I volunteer there regularly." Florence suggested to Isobel. "I'm sure he would happily receive your help."
"That would be lovely. Thank you." Isobel said to Florence with a thankful tone to her voice.
The next afternoon, Florence walked to the Crawley house and knocked on the door. She was welcomed in by Molesley and waited for Isobel in the receiving room that Florence had been in the day before.
"Thank you so much for this Lady Florence" Isobel said in a thankful tone as she entered the room.
"You are welcome. Please, just call me Florence or Flo. We are family after all." Florence said with a kind smile.
"Then call me Isobel." Isobel said in return.
"I apologise for Granny's behaviour last night. This situation has been quite a shock to her just as I am sure it has been for you and Matthew. She hasn't quite gotten her head around the idea yet." Florence said apologetically.
"That's okay. I am sure it is difficult to see the family estate and fortune go to a stranger." Isobel relented.
"Shall we go to the hospital?" Florence asked. "It's not far. We can walk from here"
"Oh, yes. Let us go. I am excited to help at the hospital in any way that I can." Isobel said as Florence led them both out of the room and then out of the house.
Florence quickly led them to the hospital and showed Isobel inside and to Dr Clarkson's office. She knocked on the door and waited for Dr Clarkson to call out for her to enter. She led Isobel into the room.
"Dr Clarkson, good morning." Florence greeted.
"Good morning, Lady Florence. How are you this morning?" Dr Clarkson asked in response, standing from his chair and walking around his desk.
"I'm very well, thank you. Dr Clarkson, I would like to introduce you to Mrs Isobel Crawley. She had recently moved in the Downton and would like to volunteer her services here. Mrs Crawley, this is our resident doctor, Dr Clarkson" Florence introduced stepping to the side so Isobel and Dr Clarkson could speak.
Dr Clarkson offered his hand and gently took hold of Mrs Crawley's fingers when she took his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs Crawley."
"And you, Dr Clarkson. I am quite interested in hearing more about your hospital." Isobel replied with an eager smile.
"Of course, come, I'll show you around." Dr Clarkson said, waving them forward out of the office.
He led them towards one of the medical wards in the building.
"It's very kind of you to take an interest." Dr Clarkson said, leading the two women into the wardroom. After the two women had entered, he closed the door behind them.
"I'm afraid it's a case of the warhorse and the drum. You know my late husband was a doctor?" Isobel replied, while observing the hospital room.
"I do. I'm familiar with Dr Crawley's work on the systems of infection in children." Dr Clarkson replied as they began walking through the room. Florence walked behind them, staying with them while also giving them the privacy to talk.
"Even I studied nursing during the South African War." Isobel told him as they walked towards an area that was cordoned off by some curtains.
"Really?" Dr Clarkson asked before they were interrupted by a crying lady.
The three of them stood to the side to allow the woman and a nurse to pass them by.
"Very distressing. A young farmer, John Drake, a tenant of Lord Grantham's. He came in today. It's dropsy, I'm afraid." Dr Clarkson told Isobel.
"May I see him?" Isobel asked.
"Yeah, by all means." Dr Clarkson said, waving Isobel forward.
Isobel stepped forward while Florence hung back by the entrance to the little make-shift room with Dr Clarkson. Florence was upset to see the man in such a state. She hadn't even known that one of her Papa's tenants was admitted into the hospital. Florence knew most of the tenants. But It had been a while since she was able to come down to the hospital.
"Is the dropsy of the liver or the heart?" Isobel asked.
"Everything points to the heart." Dr Clarkson replied.
Florence looked down in sadness. She knew what that meant for John Drake. Drake suddenly began coughing with blood spurting from his mouth. Drake raised his handkerchief to clear away the blood as he coughed. Florence raised her hand to her mouth in her dismay for the suffering of the man.
Dr Clarkson rushed forward. "All right, Mr Drake, you're in safe hands now."
Dr Clarkson took the handkerchief and cleaned the blood of the man's chin. Florence turned to Isobel and placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "We should step outside."
Isobel nodded and allowed Florence to led her from the ward. They waited quietly in the reception room until Dr Clarkson came down to meet them.
"Thank you for waiting" Dr Clarkson said as he began leading them out of the hospital.
"Thank you for your time Dr Clarkson." Florence said as they walked down the path to the street.
"No problem, Lady Florence. It's always a pleasure to have you." Dr Clarkson said, "And thank you for your interest, Mrs Crawley."
"What will happen to his wife?" Isobel asked rather suddenly as they reached the street.
Dr Clarkson and Florence shared a look before Dr Clarkson answered, "She may try and keep the farm on. Lord Grantham is not a harsh landlord but…"
Dr Clarkson hesitated, so Florence continued, "She has three young children that will keep her busy."
There was a quiet moment until Isobel asked, "What can I do to help? If I'm to live in the village I must have an occupation. Please. Let me be useful."
"Very well. Come on Friday and we can talk further." Dr Clarkson offered before turning to Florence, "A pleasure as always Lady Florence. Will we be seeing you again soon?"
"I'll see, Dr Clarkson. I hope so." Florence replied with a kind smile.
Dr Clarkson nodded to both of the women and walked back inside.
Florence turned to Isobel and began to lead her towards Crawley house while asking, "So, what do you think of our hospital?"
"It's very nice. I was rather stuck by John Drake though." Isobel admitted. "There are some more recent developments in treating dropsy of the heart but I would have to refer back to my books first."
"Yes, I think I've read about it. Draining the pericardial sac and injecting adrenalin. It has been used to some success but it is a rather new procedure. It has it's pros and cons" Florence agreed. "It could potentially save Drake."
"I have seen my husband complete the procedure and it was successful." Isobel told the young girl. "I did not know you have an interest in medicine."
"I have an interest in anything that I can read but volunteering here at the hospital is special to me, even if Granny has forbidden Dr Clarkson from letting me help by nursing." Florence admitted to Isobel. "I enjoy helping those that are less fortunate than me. Even if it is just reading to the children or giving the lonely some company in their darkest moments."
"That is very admirable of you." Isobel commented, looking to the younger woman in front of her with some surprise.
As they reach the Crawley house, Isobel turned to Florence and asked, "Will you stay for some tea?"
"Unfortunately not. I need to return to Downton. Please send my greetings to Matthew and my hope that he had a good first day at his job." Florence said to Isobel kindly.
"I will and I am sure he will appreciate the thought." Isobel replied.
Florence nodded, "Thank you. We can research further into that treatment if you'd like. I could come by on Thursday before you visit the hospital on Friday, if that suits you?"
Isobel nodded eagerly. "Yes, that would be superb."
"Well, I'll see you then." Florence said as she began backing away.
Florence and Isobel nodded in goodbye to one another before Isobel went inside the house while Florence walked back to Downton Abbey.
Florence did indeed return to the Crawley house on Thursday. She had several medical books with her in a satchel. Molesley welcomed her into the house and led her through to the office where Isobel greeted her.
The pair of them sat studying the medical textbooks that Isobel and Florence had collected between them for a few hours and discussed the treatment that Isobel would suggest to Dr Clarkson on the next day for John Drake. They were deep in conversation when Molesley announced the arrival of Cora and Violet.
Both Isobel and Florence spun around to face Cora and Violet in surprise as the two women stood in shock themselves to see Florence in the house.
"Florence, what are you doing here?" Violet asked.
"Oh, we were just comparing notes Granny." Florence replied to Violets question.
"Yes, since our visit to the hospital on Monday we have both been looking through the medical books that we have. Florence has been very helpful. She is a mine of useful information." Isobel complimented Florence.
"Your wealth of previous experience has been a large factor to our success, Isobel. All I know are the facts and figures" Florence complimented back.
"Perhaps we've been thinking of the wrong daughter." Violet muttered to Cora, though both Florence and Isobel could just about hear it. Both Isobel and Florence looked at her in confusion.
Cora seemed to hum in agreement.
"Perhaps, if you are finished, we could have a word Mrs. Crawley." Violet suggested.
"Of course. Molesley could you bring some tea to the reception room. We can move into there." Isobel said to Molesley who immediately nodded and disappeared. Both Isobel and Florence stood.
"A private word, if you would, Mrs Crawley. I'm sure Florence wouldn't mind. She could finish her book" Cora said to Isobel but glancing to Florence so Florence understood what Cora was asking.
"Oh" Isobel replied, looking back to Florence.
"That's alright. I'll take a book and sit outside. It quite lovely and I imagine the warm weather won't last much longer. I should enjoy it when I can." Florence said, picking up on the heaviest medical book. "Put please do save me a cup of tea."
"Of course, Flo dear. We'll send Molesley to get you once we are finished speaking with Mrs. Crawley." Cora said kindly as Florence began to leave.
Florence nodded and left the room and the house. She found a bench on the patio and took a seat. She opened her book to the relevant page and began reading, trying to find any information that was relevant to her and Isobel's search.
"Lady Florence?" Matthew's voice broke her concentration.
Florence looked up to see Matthew stood above her, looking to her in both confusion and happiness.
"What a surprise. I wasn't expecting you. Does mother know you are here?" Matthew commented, looking to the house's front door.
Florence sighed but nodded. "I was here to compare notes with your mother for a patient at the hospital but Mama and Granny turned up. They wanted a private word with your mother."
"Oh dear. Should I be concerned?" Matthew teased looking towards the front door.
Florence laughed as she stood from the bench, "Only about war breaking out if Granny and your mother are left alone for too long."
Matthew chuckled, "Perhaps then we should go and relieve your mother of her peace-keeping duties."
Florence nodded, "It might be more appropriate to say that we should go and save your mother from Mama and Granny's plotting."
"Plotting? What are they plotting" Matthew asked.
Florence shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. But the only time Granny and Mama come together if when they are plotting something."
"Then perhaps you are right. Let's go and rescue her." Matthew said offering her his arm. Florence smiled and slipped her hand in her arm.
Matthew led her towards the door which was opened by Molesley. Matthew waved for Florence to step in first, which she did with him following closely behind. Isobel appeared from inside the reception room.
"Ah, there you are, dear. I was hoping you'd be home in time." Isobel commented as she took a few steps forward.
"In time for what?" Matthew asked shrugging off his coat and putting it on the hanger, completely ignoring Molesley's offer for help. Florence had paused nearby and couldn't help but feel a bit critical of Matthews treatment of Molesley.
"I have been paid the compliment of a visit." Isobel replied.
"Ah, yes. Lady Florence mentioned." Matthew commented, waving again for Florence to proceed him in walking down the corridor.
However Florence slowed when Isobel turned back to go back inside the room and whispered across to Matthew, "Remember what I said about our family's opinion on the treatment of our staff."
Florence entered the reception room and immediately moved to take a seat next to her mother.
"Hello" Matthew greeted as he walked in.
"Good afternoon, cousin Matthew." Cora greeted with a wide smile.
"Afternoon." Violet greeted far less eagerly but still cordial enough.
"We were just staying how charming this room is now." Cora complimented as Isobel took a seat next to Florence.
"Hmm, it always seemed rather dark when my mother-in-law lived here, but then she made everything rather dark." Violet said with a chuckle.
Florence smiled in amusement.
"Sir." Molesley said, offering him a cake from the cake stand.
"No, thank you." Matthew said waving Molesley off.
"A cup of tea, sir?" Molesley asked.
"It's alright. I'll help myself." Matthew replied.
There was an awkward silence in room as the women all silently judged Matthew for his treatment of Molesley.
"I would quite like a cup of tea, Molesley, if you would. Once Matthew is done of course." Florence requested, putting some emphasis on the bit about Matthew in the hope that Matthew would understand that this was exactly what she was talking about before. Matthew didn't seem to notice however.
Molesley nodded to her so she knew that he had heard the request and would fulfil it once Matthew was done.
"So… Molesley, how do you find being home again? Your father must be glad you're back." Violet said.
"He is, your ladyship." Molesley said, looking surprised when Matthew took a cake from the cake stand.
Violet just sighed at Matthew's behaviour and felt sorry for Molesley, "Might I give you this cup?"
Molesley took the cup and turned to return to the tea tray to make Florence her tea.
Violet turned to Isobel, "I'm afraid we must be going."
All of the women stood from their seats.
"I'll be along shortly Mama. Cousin Isobel and I just need to go over one more thing." Florence said to Cora.
Cora nodded, "Of course. I'll send the motor back for you. It's getting late."
Florence nodded. "Thank you Mama."
"You'll think about what we spoke about?" Cora asked Isobel.
Isobel nodded while Florence looked between them in interest and curiosity. Violet and Cora were shown out by Molesley. While they were being shown out, Florence turned to Matthew. Isobel glanced between Matthew and Florence before saying, "I'll go and fetch the books. We can move our discussion in here."
Isobel quickly left before Florence could protest. Florence just sighed and turned back to Matthew.
"You are not making it easy for my family to accept you when you treat Molesley like that." Florence commented.
"I have no need of a valet." Matthew argued.
"And yet he is here." Florence replied, "And while he is, you should at least treat him with some respect. What you did just then was borderline bullying. I thought I judged you as a better man then that but perhaps I was wrong. Molesley has a job to do, as employed by my Papa. Let him do it."
"Perhaps you were wrong." Matthew commented. "I will not have a man dress me up like a dog."
"He is just trying to do the job that he was employed for. Will you dismiss all of the staff at Downton when you inherit it because you have no need of them? Will you take away their livelihoods?" Florence argued.
Matthew didn't reply.
Florence sighed, "Letting a man make you a cup of tea is hardly a chore especially in front of guests. You are being stubborn and are making Molesley look a fool."
"I refuse to allow the title to change me." Matthew protested.
"And how exactly are you expecting it to change you? Is there something wrong with having staff or how we live?" Florence asked with a raised eyebrow and her arms crossed in annoyance.
Matthew floundered for a moment.
"Neither your title nor the amount of staff you have will change who you are. A kind man will remain a kind man. A rude and disrespectful man will remain so. I believed you to be a respectful gentleman. Was I wrong?" Florence asked.
"No. And I wouldn't want you to think you were. I am sorry." Matthew said genuinely.
Florence sighed and nodded accepting his apology.
"So, you and mother were working on a project?" Matthew asked.
Florence nodded. "Yes, for a patient in the hospital. We were just looking into a new treatment."
"You seem to get on well." Matthew noted.
Florence smiled and nodded, "Yes. I believe we do."
It was then that Isobel returned with the books. She set them on the coffee table and the two women began talking about the treatment again, finally concluding when Molesley appeared at the door to announce that the motor had arrived for Florence.
"Well, I should go. You'll have to let me know how it goes with Dr Clarkson tomorrow." Florence said to Isobel as she stood. She turned to Matthew. "It was lovely to see you Matthew."
"And you. Do come and visit us again." Replied Mathew. "And I will think very carefully about what you said to me."
Florence nodded in appreciation before collecting her books and leaving.
The next evening, the Crawleys were invited to dinner again. Florence had gotten ready and went to Mary's room again with Edith and Sybil. The four siblings were talking about Matthew and his mother while Anna did Mary's hair. Florence had mostly remained quiet as they talked. She liked Matthew, despite his treatment of Molesley. She could work with him on that. She some-what understood his concern about losing his independence and didn't believe him to be the rude man that he was presenting himself as.
Florence was dressed in an emerald green dress which really make her eyes stand out. It had black lace along the trims. Her gloves were a translucent emerald green to match the dress.
"Why are you so against him?" Sybil asked Mary.
"Aside from the fact that he's planning to steal our inheritance?" Mary asked in response.
"Your inheritance." Edith corrected. "It makes no difference to the three of us. We won't inherit, whatever happens."
"And I don't exactly class this as stealing. It's just as much out of his hands as it is ours." Florence finally spoke from where she was sat on the bed next to Edith.
"He isn't one of us" Mary argued.
"Cousin Freddie's studying for the bar and so is Vivian MacDonald." Sybil argued.
Florence saw movement out of the corner of her eye. It was Edith looking through Mary's stuff. Florence sighed inside. Would those two ever get on? She wasn't about to call Edith out or stop her. Edith would just find another time to look. But she could prevent an argument at this moment in time. Florence shifted so she was sat in a way that prevent Mary from seeing what Edith was doing. Edith noticed her movement and caught Florence's eye. Florence pointedly looked at what Edith was looking through and shifted more pointedly to hide it. Edith smiled to her in thanks and continued to snoop.
"At Lincoln's Inn, not sitting at a dirty desk in Ripon." Mary argued. "Besides, his father was a doctor."
"There's nothing wrong with doctors. We all need doctors." Edith argued back.
"We all need crossing sweepers and draymen, too. It doesn't mean we have to dine with them." Mary replied dismissively.
"Whom don't we have to dine with?" Cora asked as she entered the room when Anna was leaving the room.
Florence saw Edith put Mary's stuff back as if she'd never touched it before saying, "Mary doesn't care for cousin Matthew."
"Sybil be a dear and fetch my black evening shawl. O'Brien knows which one." Cora said to Sybil.
Sybil nodded and stood to leave.
Cora turned to where Edith and Florence were sat, "And Edith, can you see that the drawing room is ready?"
Edith and Florence shared a glance before Edith stood and left the room behind Sybil.
"Glad to catch the pair of you alone." Cora commented with a smile.
"You've driven the others away." Mary responded.
"Perhaps I have." Cora agreed. "The point is, my dear, I don't want you…" Cora paused and looked between Mary and Florence, "Any of you, to feel you have to dislike Matthew."
"You disliked the idea of him." Mary argued as she stood from the chair and moved in front of the mirror.
"That was before he came. Now he's here, I don't see any future in it. Not the way things are." Cora said gently.
"I don't believe a woman can be forced to give away all her money to a distant cousin of her husband's. Not in the twentieth century. It's too ludicrous for words." Mary protested as she continued to get herself ready.
Florence remained silent while sat on the bed, confused as to why her mother didn't dispatch her like she had her sisters.
"It is not as simple as that. The money isn't mine anymore. It forms a part of the estate." Core explained.
"Even so, when a judge hears…" Mary began to argue again when Cora cut her off.
"For once in your life, will you just listen!" Cora said sternly.
Both Mary and Florence looked to Cora in surprise and shock. Florence even stood from the bed and straightened herself out.
"I believe there is an answer which would secure your future and give you a position." Cora said to Mary.
Mary shook her head in disbelief. "You can't be serious."
"Just think about it." Cora said seriously.
"I don't have to think about it." Mary protested. "Marry a man who can barely hold a knife like a gentleman?"
"Oh, don't be so shallow minded, Mary. Matthew isn't that bad." Florence argued in defence of Matthew.
"Well, you take him then. The man that won't even allow a valet to do his job." Mary snapped.
Cora laughed with a snort, "Mary, you exaggerate."
"You're American. You don't understand these things." Mary retorted meanly causing Cora to laugh in disbelief.
"Did you mention this to Granny? Did she laugh?" Mary asked derisively.
"Why would she? It was her idea." Cora replied calmly.
Mary just turned to look at Cora in shock.
"But, if you do not wish to marry Matthew, I am sure Florence wouldn't mind gaining Matthew's favour and receiving the title and estate through marriage." Cora commented looking between Mary and Florence.
Florence looked to her mother in shock, not sure that she could believe what she just heard. "You want me to marry Matthew?"
Cora smiled, "You seem to get on with him and his mother well."
"Matthew won't bend like you seem to think he will. Matthew will do what Matthew wants to do." Florence argued.
"But you can make your intentions clear." Cora concluded, "Now, we must go down."
Cora stood and left the room. As Mary went to move she commented to Florence, "He doesn't look as appealing when they are trying to force you to marry him, does he?"
Florence snorted and followed closely behind Mary so she could say, "Don't be so ridiculous. I would happily marry Matthew."
"Oh, yes, but you've always been the goody-two-shoes. You have no ambition or standards it seems. You'd take a street-sweeper if they asked it of you." Mary commented.
"Oh, Mary. You poor shallow woman. What a lonely position it must be." Florence retorted and sped up so she could leave Mary behind.
That evening at dinner, Mary's mood had not improved. It grew even frostier when they were seated at the dining room table. Matthew had been placed in-between Mary and Florence. Florence believed that her mother had something to do with that.
"Have you been able to explore the village?" Robert asked Isobel as they ate.
Isobel nodded and replied. "Indeed I have. Florence was a great help in touring me around." There was a pause here as every Crawley turned to look questionably at Florence. This went completely unnoticed by Isobel who continued, "And I thought the hospital is a great credit to your fathers memory. But I'm afraid the good doctor and I did not see eye to eye."
Florence didn't know this. It had seemed like they had gotten on well then she introduced them. She wondered what had happened earlier in the day when Isobel was suggesting a treatment for Drake.
Violet laughed, "Oh, you amaze me."
"He's treating one of your tenants, John Drake, for dropsy, but seems reluctant to embrace some of the newer treatments." Isobel commented seriously.
"Drake is a good man and far too young to die, but I suppose the Doctor knows his business." Robert replied.
"Not as well as Mrs. Crawley, apparently." Violet commented under her breath but everybody at the table could hear.
"Actually I believe Mrs Crawley is right on this occasion." Florence spoke up gaining a severe look from the Dowager but she continued anyway and turned to Isobel. "After we spoke last, I did some further research. We have some acquaintances that are also doctors. It seems that doctors in other areas of England have embraced the treatment that we looked into with a measurable level of success. We get no advantages from denying proven medical advancements"
Isobel seemed to be elated at Florence's support while the Dowagers severe look seemed to get even more severe.
Robert cleared his throat and decided to change the conversation, "By the way, if ever you want to ride, just let lynch know and he'll sort it out for you."
Mary laughed from her seat on Matthew's other side to Florence. "Oh, Papa, Cousin Matthew doesn't ride."
Matthew looked offended. "I ride."
"And do you hunt?" Mary asked, trying to trip him up.
"No I don't hunt." Matthew replied, looking down to his plate.
"I dare say there is not much opportunity in Manchester." Violet laughed.
Matthew looked exasperated but continued the conversation anyway, "Are you a hunting family?"
"Families like ours are always hunting families." Mary replied, with a smirk on her face as if she was overjoyed that she had just proved a distinction between Matthew and herself.
"Not always" Robert objected. "Billy Skelton won't have them on his land."
"But all the Skeltons are mad." Mary protested back.
"I don't hunt." Florence admitted to Matthew with a smile. In truth Florence didn't like the violence in hunting. She had been taught how to do it and had all of the skills to hunt but she didn't enjoy it so she refused to go hunting.
"Oh, yes. You could join dear Flossie in the library with a book, but I suppose you'd be more interested in that." Mary said snidely.
"I probably would be. You'll tell me that's rather unhealthy." Matthew argued, his tone severe and with a frown on his face as he saw Florence's upset face and stature.
"Not unhealthy… just unusual. Among our kind of people." Mary concluded.
"Yes, thank you, Mary. I believe you've made your point that Matthew and I are not your kind of people very clear." Florence stated, a glare firmly placed on her face.
Mary seemed to ignore Florence's statement.
"I've been studying the story of Andromeda. Do you know it?" Mary asked towards Matthew.
"Why?" Matthew asked in response confused.
"Her father was King Cepheus, whose country was being ravaged by storms and, in the end, he decided the only way to appease the gods was the sacrifice his eldest daughter to a hideous sea monster. So they chained her naked to a rock…" Mary began.
Violet laughed awkwardly, "Really, Mary. We'll all need our smelling salts in a minute."
"But the sea monster didn't get her, did he?" Matthew questioned while at the same time telling Mary that he knew the story that she was speaking of.
"No. Just when it seemed he was the only solution to her father's problems she was rescued." Mary continued.
"by Perseus." Matthew finished.
"That's right." Mary commended patronisingly with a smug smirk on her face. "Perseus, son of a god. Rather more fitting wouldn't you say?"
"That's depends. I'd have to know more about the princess and sea monster in question." Matthew concluded.
"I personally prefer the story of Cupid and Psyche." Florence said. "Have you heard of that story, Mary?"
Her silence told the room her answer.
"Well, it's a story of a beautiful daughter of a King and Queen called Psyche. She was so beautiful that the people worshiped her instead of the Goddess of Love, Venus. In anger, Venus ordered Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with a monster. Psyche was taken away and kept in a dark cave. She is served and loved by a mysterious terrifying creature that she could not see and therefore feared. However, one evening, her jealous sisters tell her to surprise the mysterious creature and discover what it was. The frightening creature turned out to be the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. It was Cupid and he loved her so deeply that he was willing to defy the will of a Goddess. He even refused the advances of her jealous older sisters that only sought his wealth and beauty." Florence explained. "Why would you want a mortal when you could have the God."
Mary had a face like a storm when Florence had finished her story. The dinner was also finished. The women withdrew into the drawing room while the men spoke in the library. Mary excused herself early but Florence used the time to speak to Isobel about what happened at the hospital.
Isobel explained how Dr Clarkson just simply refused to consider the new treatment to which Florence sighed. She considered what Isobel said before coming up with a new plan.
"I'll compile some examples of the successful procedure. If we can get some adrenalin then we could perhaps strongarm Dr Clarkson with evidence and the right equipment. Normally I wouldn't suggest such an approach but a man's life is on the line and he cannot have much time left for a successful procedure." Florence suggested and explained.
"Yes, I'm afraid that a rather forward approach is needed." Isobel replied. "Shall I call upon you when I have the adrenalin?"
"Yes. I'll have the evidence compiled by tomorrow evening." Florence nodded.
The men walked into the room. Robert went to where Cora and Violet were sat talking while Matthew moved over to Florence and Isobel were discussing the medical procedure.
"Will Dr Clarkson have everything else he'll need?" Isobel asks.
"Yes. I've seen the rest of the equipment as long as there is nothing that he would need that isn't referred to in the books." Florence replied.
"Why do I get the feeling that Dr Clarkson is going to be given a rather hard time soon?" Matthew asked teasingly to the two women.
Florence smiled from the teasing but answered honestly, "Maybe because he will. A man's life is at stake."
"Poor Clarkson." Matthew said continuing with his teasing.
Two mornings later, Isobel and Florence descended upon the hospital. Florence had her notes of evidence and Isobel had the adrenalin. Florence led the way to the office and knocked on the door. Dr Clarkson called for them to enter.
"Dr Clarkson." Florence entered.
Dr Clarkson looked up and stood from his seat, "Lady Florence, what can I do for you?"
"Mrs. Crawley and I wish to speak to you about John Blake and his treatment." Lady Florence explained.
"Lady Florence, as I have explained to Mrs. Crawley that treatment is new…" Dr Clarkson began but paused when Florence placed a collection of papers on his desk. Each paper was copied from a medical book with noted written around it. There were also some letters from other doctors.
"Here is the evidence that the treatment works." Florence said waving to the piles of paper. "Accounts by medical researchers and leading physicians in London. You know I respect your medical capability a great deal, Dr Clarkson, but we are speaking of a man's life. He is dying and will die if we deny him the treatment. You have a way to potentially save his life right in front of you but you refuse to use it. Where is your disadvantage of performing his treatment and what right do you have to deny a man a chance of life?"
Isobel then stepped forward and showed the adrenaline, "I have the adrenaline here in my hand. Will you really deny the man his chance of life?"
"I just wish it was a treatment I was more familiar with." Dr Clarkson protested.
"Will that serve as your excuse when he dies?" Isobel said.
It seemed that that was all Dr Clarkson needed. He took the adrenaline and went to the door. He opened it and called out, "Nurse. Can you prepare Mr. Drake for his procedure, please?"
Isobel and Florence share a happy look.
Dr Clarkson looked towards to the two women. "Well, Mrs. Crawley, Lady Florence, I have a feeling we will sink or swim together."
Florence took a step forward with a smile, "We will swim, Dr Clarkson. Have faith."
Dr Clarkson smiled to her and nodded.
The three of them walked to where Mr Drake was being prepared. His wife was sat next to him, holding his hand. Dr Clarkson stepped into the cordoned off area while Isobel and Florence waited by the door.
"Mr. Drake, your heart is not functioning properly and, as a result, your pericardial sac is full of fluid. I am proposing first to withdraw the fluid and then to inject the adrenaline to stimulate the heart and restore normal activity." Dr Clarkson explained in a slow and calm manner so both the patient and his wife could hear and understand what he was saying.
"Is it dangerous, Doctor?" Mrs Drake asked.
"The draining may stop the heart and the adrenaline may not be able to re-start it" Dr Clarkson admitted.
Mrs Drake was sniffling.
"Mrs Drake, the choice is simple. If your husband endures this procedure, he may live. If not, he will die." Isobel explained, rather bluntly.
Florence held out a hand for Isobel to stop and approached Mrs Drake. She knelt down on one knee as she did when she was trying to talk and reassure children. She took Mrs Drake's free hand and began speaking calmingly and reassuringly. "Mrs Drake. I want to be honest with you. Without treatment your husbands heart will continue to grow weaker until it can no longer sustain life. This treatment has been used on one hundred and three different occasions in the past year. Of all of those, six died. However, the other ninety-seven patients survived and completely recovered. There is a change he won't survive but it could save his life. Nobody but you can make the decision and nobody will force the treatment on your husband if you say no. But I want you to think very carefully. We merely wish to help you, to try and save your husband's life so he can return to you, Thomas, Victoria and Elsie."
Suddenly there was a disturbance outside the curtains. It was Violet's voice that rang out. "You must let me past. I must see the doctor at once.
Violet appeared at the edge of the curtain. Mrs Drake stood so Florence did also.
"Your ladyship." Dr Clarkson said.
Violet looked around the curtained area. "Just as I thought." Violet turned to Dr Clarkson, "Dr Clarkson, please tell me you will not permit this amateur and my granddaughter to influence your professional opinion."
"Amateur?" Isobel questioned.
"Granny!" protested Florence.
Violet turned to Mrs Drake, "My dear lady, do not let them bully you. They'll not disturb the peace of your husband's last hours. Not if I can help it."
"But that's just it, M'lady. I don't want them to be his last hours. Not if there's a chance." Mrs Drake said to violet before turning to speak to Dr Clarkson, "Please, doctor, do what you must."
Dr Clarkson turned to Florence and nodded. Florence smiled and encourage Mrs Drake to step away from Mr Drake. Florence led her a few steps away so Dr Clarkson had enough room to work.
Dr Clarkson moved into the space that Mrs Drake had emptied. Dr Clarkson took the needle from the nurse and attached it to the draining pipe. As Dr Clarkson felt for the spot to put the needle, Violet tried once more to protest.
"As…" Violet began weakly but it filtered out.
Drake grunts in pain as the needle is entered. Mrs Drake looked away so Florence turned her fully away and held her in support and comfort.
"Steady" Dr Clarkson instructed the nurse. "Yep, all right. Nice and steady"
Dr Clarkson was syringing the fluid out.
"As president of this hospital, I feel I must…" Violet started again.
"Valve" Dr Clarkson instructed to the nurse to switch the syringe direction from Mr Drake's body to a jar so the drainage would go into the jar rather than back into Mr Blake. He was completely ignoring Violet and focussing entirely on his patient.
"… tell you I shall bring this to the attention of the board." Violet continued.
"You're doing very well." Dr Clarkson said to Mr Blake.
"Have you no pity?" Violet asked.
Florence ignored Violet as well and hugged Mrs Blake comfortingly.
"Adrenaline." Dr Clarkson instructed the nurse. "Quickly. Quickly. His heart's stopped."
Florence felt Mrs Blake shake from her sobs so she tightened her hug.
Dr Clarkson put the needle of adrenaline to Mr Drake's heart.
"Ready?" Dr Clarkson asked the nurse before pressing down on the needle and injecting the adrenaline. There was a noise of air being pressed through a tube as the adrenaline was injected. Dr Clarkson began withdrawing the needle and the nurse prepared to press a gauze to Mr Blake's chest. "Yes." Dr Clarkson said as he pulled the needle fully out and the nurse pressed down on the gauze.
As soon as the needle was out, Mr Blake took a deep breath and began breathing. It was harsh breathing but it was breathing. His eyes were also open. Florence felt so relieved and gently turned Mrs Blake until the woman looked and saw that her husband was not just alive but awake. Mrs Blake quickly rushed forwards, past Dr Clarkson. Mrs Blake took Mr Blake's hand in joy and kissed it.
"My dear" Mr Blake said reassuringly.
Isobel and Florence shared a relieved and happy smile. They both turned to see Violet, who looked lost for words.
Florence and Isobel left the hospital soon after, both happy with what they achieved that day.
Later that evening found Florence in the library. For once she was reading a fictional novel for enjoyment rather than a reference book. She was sat in the room when her father, Dr Clarkson and Matthew walked into the library. She was sat in her usual seat in the library, by the window, which meant when the men walked in, they didn't even notice that she was in the room.
"You don't have to worry. She may be president but I'm the patron, so you're quite safe with me. Please"
Robert waved to the tea. Florence stood from her seat and approached the banisters that separated the library into two areas.
"Would you like me to leave, Father?" Florence asked, surprising all four men in the room. She sent a cheeky smile to Thomas Barrow who had entered first to set up the tea. Barrow just shook his head slightly with a quirk of his lips.
"No. It's okay Flo dear. Carry on with your reading." Robert told her.
Florence nodded with a smile and returned back to her seat. Florence sent Matthew a smile that was returned as she sat back down. She tried to focus completely on her book but she couldn't help but listen in to what the men were talking about as they got their tea.
"My mother and Florence were right then. The man's life was saved?" Matthew asked, glancing over to Florence every now and again.
"Well I like to think that all three of us were right. But I'm not sure Lady Grantham will be so easily convinced." Dr Clarkson reaching for a cup of tea and helping himself to some sugar and milk.
"Then we must strengthen the argument." Robert concluded before pondering the thought.
"You could make Isobel chairman of the board." Florence suggest from where she was sitting with her book, pretending to be reading, even though they all knew now that she wasn't.
Robert considered what Florence had said before nodding. "Yes. Cousin Isobel wanted something to do. We'll make her chairman of the board." Robert declared.
Florence gave up all pretence of reading her book and not listening to what they were saying.
"She'd like that, wouldn't she?" Robert asked Matthew.
Matthew gave a little chuckled of disbelief in what he was hearing. "Certainly, she would."
Mathew looked over to Florence who smiled to him. Matthew nodded in thanks in her direction. Florence simply leaned her head on her hand and smiled as if she had not done anything at all.
"Then my mother will have to listen to her. She's been an absolute ruler there for long enough. It's time for some loyal opposition." Robert said determined.
"Well, if you're quite certain, m'lord." Dr Clarkson said unsurely.
"What were you going to say?" Robert asked Dr Clarkson, fully aware that the doctor has more to say.
"At the risk of being impertinent, on your own head be it." Dr Clarkson said.
Both Robert and Matthew laughed which were cut short when they heard another laugh. All four men looked over Florence who was still pretending to read the book but had a clenched fist over her mouth to hold in further laughter.
Florence stood with her book and quickly said, "Excuse me" before exiting the room.
Two weeks later, Florence was walking with Mary, Edith and Sybil through the corridors of Downton Abbey, ready to travel down to the hospital. Mary and Edith were walking in front with Sybil and Florence walking behind. Florence was wearing an emerald coat over a cream dress. She wore an emerald green hat on her head.
"Why must we all go to the hospital?" Edith asked.
"I'm afraid Papa wants to teach Granny a lesson. Poor Granny. A month ago these people were strangers. Now she must share power with the mother and I must marry the son." Mary replied.
Florence rolled her eyes. Did Mary not remember that their mother had also asked the same of her.
"You won't marry him though, will you?" Edith asked, already certain of the answer that she will get.
"What, marry a sea monster?" Mary asked with a laugh causing Edith to laugh as well. The four of them began descending the main staircase.
Florence frowned at the two of them which Sybil noticed and protested, "We shouldn't laugh. That's so unkind."
"But he must marry someone." Edith commented.
"Edith, what are you thinking?" Mary asked with a sly smile.
"You know, I don't dislike him as much as you do." Edith replied coyly.
"Perhaps you don't dislike him at all." Mary commented dryly.
"Perhaps I don't" Edith agreed.
"Well it's nothing me. I've got bigger fish to fry." Mary commented in response.
"What fish?" Sybil asked curiously.
"Are we talking about E.N?" Edith asked.
Mary stopped at the last landing on the stairs and looked back at Edith and demanded, "How do you know that? Have you been poking around in my things?"
"Of course not." Protested Edith, looking to Florence.
Florence recognised immediately that that was what Edith had been reading a week or so again when they were all getting ready in Mary's room. Florence shook her head. She wouldn't tell Mary. Edith began walking again, prompting the others to descend the last few steps and begin walking towards the front door.
"Who is this mystery man, Mary?" Florence asked with a smile as both she and Sybil looked to Mary.
"It's not fair if you both know and we don't." Sybil protested, motioning towards herself and Florence.
"You won't be any the wiser, but his name is Evelyn Napier." Mary said, beginning to walk ahead of the other three.
"The Honourable Evelyn Napier." Edith said, raising a hand for her forehead in a salute. "Son and heir to Viscount Branksome."
"Who wants an old sea monster when they can have Perseus?" Mary asked, referring back to their previous conversation.
Mary, Edith and Sybil laugh while Florence just remained silent behind them while following. At the hospital the girls met with Matthew. Matthew smiled and spoke almost exclusively to Florence.
"Thank you for coming. My mother will definitely appreciate you being here." Matthew said with a smile.
"I… We wouldn't miss it for the world. Is Isobel excited?" Florence asked with a smile.
"Extremely so." Matthew replied. "We should probably go in."
Matthew led the ladies in and to seats in the front row. Matthew somehow managed to make it so he was sat in the aisle seat with Florence in between him and Mary. Edith and Sybil sat beside Mary.
Mary leaned over and whispered to Florence, "Do you actually like the Sea Monster Flossie?"
Florence rolled her eyes and leaned back to whisper, "No. I like Cupid."
The room then began standing as Dr Clarkson, Violet and Isobel walked through the centre and to the chairs that were placed on a platform at the front. Isobel sat on the far-left seat. Violet sat in the middle. Dr Clarkson remained standing in front of the third seat on the right. Everybody sat down once Violet had taken a seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this happy event. The investiture of our first chairwoman, Mrs. Reginald Crawley, who has graciously agreed to share the duties of our beloved president, the Dowager Countess of Grantham." Dr Clarkson announced.
The Dowager herself looked as if she had swallowed a sour lemon. Matthew and Florence shared an amused look.
"Our little hospital must surely grow and thrive with two such doughty champions united as they are by the strongest ties of all… family and friendship." Dr Clarkson continued.
There was an applause from the gathered villagers, the staff from Downton and both branches of the Crawley family.
Another episode done!
I hope you enjoyed it. Next week we have the visit from Evelyn Napier and Mr Pamuk.