DISCLAIMER: All characters and locations in this story belong to Julian Fellowes except from my OC's Florence Crawley and Grace Crawley. This story has been created for entertainment only.
April 1917
Florence sighed as she rolled over in her bed. She stretched her arm out to the cold side of the bed where Matthew would normally lie. Another morning without her Matthew. Letters from the front line were starting to slow. It had been three weeks since she had sent her last letter and she was still waiting for a response. Mail had been faster at the beginning of the war but she supposed with the war still going on and on and on, it was to be expected that something as 'unimportant' to the war effort be slowed to make room for other things. But the lack of communication between them made her worry. She was always worried that him not replying meant that something terrible must have happened to him. That feeling only ever went away on the days where she received a letter back from him and even then it only ever lasted the day, if that.
Florence sighed again before standing from the bed. It was early still but she would go down for breakfast. She wondered if it was too early to call for Anna. Maybe. Florence turned to the bed, making it, unmaking it, making it, unmaking it, and making it again.
She stepped away from the bed fully and towards the curtains, pushing them open and allowing the springtime sunshine in through the window. She had a beautiful view from the window always calmed her. The soft swaying of the branches in the wind to the birds fluttering from tree to tree. The beautiful spring flowers that were just starting to bloom to the luscious expanse of healthy green grass.
The approaching post man told her that it was late enough to call for Anna. She quickly reached over and pulled on the bell, knowing that Anna would be with her shortly.
"I don't suppose there was a letter for me in the post?" Florence queried when Anna came up.
"Not that I am aware of, M'lady." Anna replied.
Florence nodded, and allowed Anna to help her dress. She quickly made her way down to breakfast. She had arrived first. She got herself and bowl of porridge and then moved to sit down at the table. She glanced up at Mr Carson who was stood to attention in his usual position.
"Was there any post for me today Carson?" Florence asked, her tone tinged with a little bit of sadness and desperation for news.
"I'm afraid not, M'lady. There was very little post today." Carson replied just as Robert was entering the room.
"Still nothing from Matthew?" Robert questioned Florence sympathetically.
Florence stirred her porridge absentmindedly, "No."
"A letter will come." Robert reassured her.
"Yes, but from whom. From him or from the war office?" Florence questioned.
"From him. We must think positively, my dear." Robert said reassuringly as he took a seat at the table. "He will write and he will return."
France
"Fancy a tour in England, David?" Matthew questioned his Sargent as they walked through the trenches.
"I assume you're having me on, sir." Davis replied.
"Not at all. General Sir Herbert Strutt has asked for my transfer to be his ADC. He's touring England to boost recruitment, and he's remembered that I know Manchester and Yorkshire pretty well. It'll mean a couple of months at home and promotion to Captain. I can't object to that." Matthew informed him.
Downton
"Goodbye, Dr Clarkson." Cora said in farewell before they walked towards the gate to leave the hospital.
"Lady Grantham? Lady Florence" Dr Clarkson called, prompting both women to turn to face him. "I'd love to help, but it's not within my power to hook men from hither and thither as I please."
"That's not at all what I was asking." Cora protested.
"Forgive me, but I thought you were saying that you wanted Corporal Barrow to come and work here when he's full recovered." Dr Clarkson commented.
"We just feel like it is a credit to Corporal Barrow that he wants to continue serving and in such a way after he was wounded. He wants to keep helping others who are in pain and need some help. If anything Corporal Barrow is in a perfect position mentally as well as physically to help them here." Florence said, in support of both Thomas and her mother.
"Well, that's as maybe, but it's not for me to decide what happens next." Dr Clarkson stated.
Cora and Florence both nodded. Cora began walking away but Florence hesitated.
"Thank you for your time Doctor. We greatly appreciate all that you are doing here. I… I just wanted you to know that. For everything to you do for the men that come through here. They do not need the heavens to help them because they have you, Sybil and everyone else in your team." Florence said to him with a smile before following after her mother.
She reunited with her mother just outside of the gate. Her mother sighed, "Well, that did not quite go and as planned."
Florence looked over to her mother in surprise and with a touch of mischief. "I've never known you to give up so quickly mother."
"Who said I am giving up? I am simple readjusting my plan." Cora replied.
"We need more pressure. Loath that I am to put Clarkson under more pressure at such a time, or any time really…" Florence began, but her mother interrupted.
"Except for when you and Cousin Isobel twisted his arm when they first arrived in Downton, you mean?" Cora interjected with an amused smile on her face.
Florence floundered for a minutes before continuing, "Well, yes, except for then."
"And except for when that little girl was in the hospital and you wanted to stay beyond visiting hours because she was scared of the dark?" Cora interjected again.
"Yes, yes, okay. But both of those exceptions were to help others. One was quite literally to save a life and the other was a little girl. Thomas isn't in either of those situations, so yes, I am at loath to put Clarkson under any pressure about it, but if we want Thomas back in Downton then we need to." Florence protested.
"What do you suggest?" Cora questioned.
"Well, we are not patrons of the hospital so maybe we are the wrong people to ask such a favour." Florence suggested coyly.
"Hmmm, I think you have been spending too much time with your Grandmother." Cora commented, "But, never-the-less, you are right. I shall speak to your father."
Florence spent the rest of the afternoon with Grace. It really was amazing just how much a child can grow in just under a year. Eight months had passed since Matthew's last visit and the concert to raise money for the hospital. In some ways, it was like time was passing at a snail's pace but then Florence only had to look at Grace to see that time was passing faster than she thought.
Her little girl was now two years old. She was walking, well, running. Always running. She was also talking, just words and basic phrases but she was improving and learning more words daily. The Nanny has been very good with her. Going over words daily, challenging Grace to learn a new words. Florence does the same when she can, but most of the time she gets distracted by playing with her little girl. Her mother had warned her that she should cherish these years while Grace is young and wanting to play with her. She just wished Matthew could be there with them.
Grace asked about him daily and Florence always read to her the letters that she received from Matthew, minus any bits that were not child friendly, but it was never enough. Grace wanted her father with her and Florence wished she could make it so.
Florence sent Grace off with Nanny just as the gong went to dress for dinner.
Just as Florence was about to leave her room, she was stopped by Anna, who held a little envelope in hand. She passed it over to Florence with a large smile.
"I thought you might this before dinner was served, M'lady." Anna said.
"Oh, Anna, is this what I think it is?" Florence questioned before opening the letter quickly. She skimmed the letter eagerly. She would re-read it later to savour the words, but for now it was like she was starved of them and she couldn't wait another moment to read what he had to say.
"Oh, Anna, he's coming home." Florence said out loud.
"That's wonderful news, M'lady." Anna replied.
Florence did not care if it was not proper of a lady, she was excited, she pulled Anna into a hug. "Oh, Anna, it is. It is wonderful."
She pulled away from Anna, who was smiling in secondary joy for her.
"He's coming home." Florence said in an excited but disbelieving whisper, before she pulled herself together and continued, "Only for a few months, but I'll take it over nothing."
Florence composed her face for dinner. She would announce his imminent return but she would do it as the Lady that she was, at the appropriate time.
Dinner was a quiet affair with the war on. It was mostly just the family. Sometimes Violet and Sybil would join them but Violet was spending more and more time in her home and Sybil was always at the hospital. That evening Violet was in attendance but Sybil remained away so it was just the six of them.
The smaller oval dining table that they used for smaller groups was presented with three on one side and three on the other. Edith, Cora and Mary were sat on one side while Violet, Robert and Florence were on the other. Florence took a seat with her father to her right and Mary to her directly opposite her.
Dinner was dreadfully boring through the main course as Robert spoke about the news that he had to share. At least, it was boring until Carson accidentally stumbled on Violet's chair. It was so unusual for Carson to show anything less than perfect decorum and professionalism that everyone, even Violet, was rather concerned.
"Oh, are you all right, Carson?" Violet asked.
"Of course." Carson replied rather brashly before realising just who he was talking to. "That is, um, perfectly all right, your ladyship, thank you."
Seeing that Carson would rather the conversation be changed, Florence decided that it was time her own news. "I've had a letter from Matthew."
That quickly drew everybody's attention.
"He's coming home in a fortnight. He's touring England with some general." Florence told them.
"We must have a dinner when he's here." Robert commented.
Florence wondered whether she should mention the rest of the news but then decided against it. That could be his news to share. Thankfully Mary moved the conversation onwards.
"I was going to ask Richard Carlisle about then. For Saturday to Monday." Mary stated.
"You be careful, Mary. Sir Richard mustn't think you're after him." Violet told her sternly.
"Isn't that the truth?" Edith questioned, though more likely to aggravate Mary than to get the answer. After all, they all knew the answer to that question.
"The truth is neither here nor there; it's the look of the thing that matters. Ask Rosamond. It'll take the edge of it." Violet suggested to Mary.
"That'd be nice. Like before the war." Robert commented pleasantly and Florence would like to agree.
"How can we manage a great pre-war house party without a single footman?" Cora questioned and it was a good point. There last footman, William was gone, having joined the war effort.
"My dear, Rosamond is not a house party. She's blood." Violet concluded, removing that problem.
"I saw Mrs. Drake when I went into the village." Edith commented, turning all of the attention onto her. "The wife of John Drake, who has Longfield Farm."
"Oh? What did she have to say?" Robert questioned curious as to why Edith thought need to bring it up at the dining room table. There must be something with some substance in it for her to bring it up.
"Apparently, their final able-bodied farmhand has been called up." Edith told them.
"A problem facing many employers right now." Florence commented, think on how Branson was the only able bodied man they still had in their employ.
"Well, they need a man to drive a tractor." Edith continued, as if Florence hadn't spoken.
"Well, hasn't Drake recovered from his illness? I thought he was better." Robert questioned.
"No. He is. He's much, much better. But he doesn't drive. So I told her I could do it." Edith replied.
Florence was glad that she had not been drinking at the moment that Edith reveal that bit of information. Edith was going to drive a tractor on a farm. She's going to be a farmhand?
"What?" Cora questioned in disbelief.
"I said I could drive the tractor." Edith repeated.
"Edith, you are a lady, not Toad of Toad Hall." Violet protested firmly.
Florence couldn't help but picture Edith dressed as the Toad of Toad Hall, crashing the Drake's tractor into a tree or a fence and releasing all of the animals in the pen.
"Well, I'm doing it." Edith declared determinedly.
The others couldn't help but smile. What a strange world they were living in? Lady Sybil the Nurse and now Lady Edith the Farmhand.
It was over two weeks later as the family were preparing to welcome Sir Richard Carlisle to Downton and welcome Matthew back when Florence heard the news that her father's note to Clarkson had worked wonders and Thomas was back in Downton.
In fact, Florence was spending some time with Grace before she was to go and meet Matthew at the train station, when the news came to her via her mother that Thomas was downstairs for a visit. Florence quickly picked up Grace and put her on her hip before making her way downstairs as well. After the effort that Florence had put into planning how to convince Dr Clarkson to bring him to Downton, she wasn't about to let him come to the house without seeing him.
She was walked down the corridor that led to the dining room for the staff, she could hear him, "…not all changes were bad."
"I heard you were back at Downton, Corporal Barrow." Florence spoke from the doorway.
Everybody turned and those that had been seated, quickly stood. Florence waved for them to sit back down. "Sorry to bother you while you are working. I just heard that Corporal Barrow was here and I knew I must come and say hello." She turned to Thomas. "How are you Corporal? Your uniform suits you."
"Thank you, M'lady. It's good to be back in Downton though it was a pleasure to share a glass with warm milk with the future Earl of Grantham." Thomas replied.
"Yes, Matthew mentioned it. He said that he enjoyed the familiarity of home." Florence said, before Grace started wiggling in her arms. Ever since Grace had learnt to walk, she had become less willing to sit on someone's hips for extended period of times.
"Papa?" Grace questioned recognising her father's name.
"Yes, Corporal Barrow fought with Papa. Can you say hello to Corporal Barrow, sweetheart?" Florence replied to Grace.
Grace looked at Thomas and said, "Hello 'arrow."
"Hello there, little one. What's your name?" Thomas asked.
"Grace 'awley." Grace replied before wiggling again to be let down.
Florence finally relented but kept hold of Grace's arm. She didn't want to let Grace run rampant around the downstairs considering the chaos that he house was already in with so few able bodied men.
"I better get this one upstairs before she decides that down here is a much better place to play. It is a pleasure to see you Corporal. Welcome back to Downton." Florence said with a smile to the staff.
"The pleasure is all mine, M'lady." Thomas replied back with the slight bow of the head.
"Say Goodbye to everyone." Florence said to Grace waving her hand.
"Bye. Bye 'arrow." Grace said, before Florence led her back upstairs.
Florence spent the morning playing with Grace before leaving her with Nanny when it was time for Matthew to come to Downton. Matthew's train arrived in shortly after the train from London so Florence caught a ride with Branston when he was going to pick up her Aunt Rosamond and Sir Richard Carlisle.
She arrived in time to see the arrival of her Aunt Rosamond who must have been quite surprised to see her waiting at the station. She approached Florence, with a stern looking man following closely behind.
"Florence, dear, I wasn't expecting an escort from the station." Rosamond commented with a smile.
"Oh, no. Matthew is getting in on the next train. I came a little early to make use of the ride to the station." Florence replied. "But it's good to see you Aunt Rosamond. I'm sorry Matthew and I couldn't make it to dinner the last time he was home."
"Not to worry. We'll be dining together tonight, I expect?" Rosamond said, reassuringly.
"Of course." Florence said with a nod of her head.
"Good. Florence, this is Sir Richard Carlisle. Sir Carlisle, this is Lady Florence Crawley. My second eldest niece." Rosamond introduced Florence to the man that had been waiting closely behind.
"A pleasure to meet you Sir Carlisle. I am sure my family are eagerly awaiting your arrival." Florence greeted the man that had caught her elder sister's interest.
"Well, then I mustn't keep them waiting. It was a pleasure to meet you also Lady Crawley." Sir Carlisle said, before turning to Rosamond purposefully.
Rosamond sent one last farewell to Florence before leading Sir Carlisle and the staff that were joining him on his trip to Downton to where Branson was waiting with the motor. Florence remained alone on the platform of the station until the next train pulled in. It was the train that Matthew was on.
Florence stood by the first class carriages and eagerly stepped forward when Matthew stepped off the train in his uniform. Matthew greeted her with a kiss before presenting her with the small soft bear that she given him all of those weeks ago.
"I thought you and Grace could imbue it with more of your luck. It seems to be working so far." Matthew told her with a smile.
Florence took the bear. "I'm sure Grace and I can do that. Come, I arranged with Branson for him to come back for us. He should be here soon."
"Come back? How long have you been waiting for me?" Matthew questioned as Florence began leading him towards the platform exit.
"I caught a ride with Branson when he was picking up Lady Rosamond and her guest. He's taken them back to the house and should then be returning for us." Florence replied, gripping Matthew's arm as they walked. She held on tightly, almost as though she was afraid that he would disappear if she let go.
Branson was there when they stepped out. He took Matthew's bag and placed in at the back of the motor, while Florence and Matthew climbed inside.
"So, Lady Rosamond is here with a guest?" Matthew questioned.
Florence hummed in response. "Well technically, he's here for Mary, but Mary couldn't be the one to invite him so we invited Aunt Rosamond and Aunt Rosamond invited him as her guest."
Matthew nodded, "So, he's caught Mary's interest then?"
Florence nodded, "Something about him has caught her interest though I do not think need more than one guess to know what. Based on his newspapers it certainly isn't his charming personality."
"Well, I suppose we shall see this evening." Matthew declared.
Matthew and Florence entered the pre-dinner room where the rest of the family were waiting for their meal and entertaining Sir Richard Carlisle. They had timed their entrance to be moment behind that of Isobel.
Matthew was immediately greeted by Robert exclaiming, "Well now, still in one piece, thank God."
"Touch wood." Matthew greeted back while shaking Robert's hand.
"I never stop touching it." Robert replied, implying that he remained hopeful that Matthew would return at the end of the war.
They were then greeted by Mary and Sir Richard Carlisle. Mary started the introductions straight away. "Do you know Sir Richard Carlisle?" Mary said to Matthew before speaking to Carlisle. "My cousin and brother-in-law, Captain Crawley."
"How do you do." Carlisle greeted Matthew shaking his hand.
As Isobel stepped forward to greet Mary and Carlisle, Matthew and Florence slipped away and joined her father by the fireplace.
"What's General Strutt like?" Robert questioned Matthew curiously.
"You know. Rather important. And brave. He got the DSO in South Africa." Matthew replied.
"Is there any chance it might be permanent, that we can count you out of danger?" Robert asked, glancing briefly at Florence. "It would be such a relief."
Florence glanced to Matthew for the answer.
"I wouldn't want that, I'm afraid." Matthew replied honestly.
Florence could feel herself tense up at the answer and she spotted the disappointment in her father face. She was sure that it was reflected in her own. A flash of anger flooded through her, even though she already knew that it was wrong of her to feel so. She should feel proud that her husband was so brave but all she can think of is losing him forever and the tense filled days while she waits for news. She decided it was time to leave that particular conversation. She pulled her arm out from Matthews before marching away to Rosamond and Sybil. She put a fake smile on her face as she greeted them.
"Sybil, dear, it feels like weeks since I saw you last. You are kept so busy at the hospital." Florence commented, "But then again, I am so proud of you and the work you're doing."
"Thank you. If only everybody else was so supportive. I am supposed to be working now but Mama insisted I attend this." Sybil replied.
"You must give yourself some breaks Sybil and it is always important to show a united front when we have guests." Florence reminded her.
They were called in for dinner soon afterwards. Florence was seated by Sybil with Mary sat opposite. Florence was rather glad that evening that she and Matthew had been seated apart from one another. She's still not sure what to say to him about the revelation that he had made before dinner.
Apart from a short conversation about Thomas' return to the village, during which Cora and Florence exchanged a mischievous look, the conversations were largely in smaller groups. Florence was happily chatting with Sybil about the hospital, her work, Matthew and Grace when Edith jumped up. Some mishap between Robert's new valet, Mr Lang, and Mr Carson had caused the sauce jug to tip and the sauce to pour out and all over Edith's lap.
"I am sorry, M'lady." Carson said to Edith before instructing Mr Lang. "Mr. Lang, get a cloth."
However, before Mr Lang could, Mr Carson began groaning and listing to the side. Isobel was the first to react, standing and pushing her chair closer to Carson. The rest of the family quickly reacted as well, standing and coming to the side of their loyal Butler.
"Carson, what's the matter?" Cora gasped urgently.
Isobel guided Carson to the chair while Mary reassured him, "Now, Carson, everything will be fine."
"Edith, go with Branson and fetch Major Clarkson. I'll telephone and explain what's happened" Isobel instructed as Robert tried to loosen Carson's shirt near the neck to allow for more air to get into Carson's lungs. Carson's face was rapidly becoming red and he gasped like he couldn't get enough air.
"And what about my dress?" Edith demanded, rather selfishly.
Everybody looked to her in astonishment.
"I'll go." Florence declared, rather glad to be able to do something to help and quickly hurried out of the room.
Florence hurried downstairs to where you could usually find Branson in the evening. Florence quickly barged into the room, startling him. "I need you to come with me to fetch Doctor Clarkson."
Branson obviously saw the panic and urgency in her eyes as he quickly grabbed his jacket and led her to the first motor in the motor port. Branson drove her to the hospital to find that Isobel had come true on her word and had telephoned ahead. Major Clarkson was waiting outside of the hospital for them. Branson went to hop out but Florence quickly stood and opened the door for Clarkson to get in. Florence wasn't sure what was wrong with Mr. Carson but she knew enough to know that if it was something serious then the faster they were the better. Every second counts and that includes the time it would take for Branson to get out on the driver's side, move around the motor to open the door for Clarkson, close it behind him, and then get back in on the driver's side. It was much simpler for Florence to open the door for Clarkson and have Clarkson close it behind him.
Branson rushed them back to Downton and Branson guided Clarkson and Florence to Mr Carson's room.
Mr Carson was still gasping helplessly, as Isobel and Sybil tried to help him. Clarkson hurried forward to take over. Isobel stood and turned to Branson and Florence ushering them out of the room. She suggested that Florence return upstairs and Branson should prepare for Violet's departure.
Florence shared a worried glance with Branson as Isobel shut Mr Carson's door. Branson could clearly see the worry in Florence's face.
"He'll be alright M'lady." Branson said reassuringly to her. "I doubt anything could take Mr Carson from Downton, even illness."
Florence smiled slightly and nodded, "Quite right. Thank you Branson, for your help this evening."
"You're welcome, M'lady" Branson replied, "If you'd excuse me, M'lady, but I should probably take her Ladyship home."
"Of course." Florence nodded before they separated. Branson back out to the motor and Florence to the staircase that would lead her upstairs.
The meal was over by the time she had arrived and everybody had disbursed. Violet could be seen by the door, waiting for Branson to bring the motor around. Florence retreated to her dressing room. Anna appeared soon after and changed her into her nightclothes. Florence sighed and entered the bedroom where Matthew was already waiting. He was sat on the bed in his night ware and robe. A book in hand.
"Major Clarkson is here?" Matthew asked as he saw her enter.
Florence nodded. "Yes. He is here."
Florence stepped to the edge of the bed and dropped down onto it to sit on the edge of the bed. "Gosh, that was frightful. I hope he will be okay."
Matthew sat forward so he could reassure her properly. "He will be okay. He's Carson. He's tougher than he looks and he already looks pretty tough. He'll be okay."
Florence nodded. "I can't imagine a Downton Abbey without Carson. He's been serving here since long before I was born."
Matthew nodded, pressing a kiss to Florence's shoulder. However, Florence stood immediately, moving to sit at the vanity silently. She pulled her hair out of its fancy updo and began to run a brush through it. Matthew sighed, leaning back against the headboard.
"Are you mad at me?" Matthew questioned.
"How on earth could I possibly be mad at you?" Florence questioned in response to his question, but the stilling of her brushing hand gave her away before she continued to brush through her hair.
"You are mad at me." Matthew correctly concluded. "It's about what I said earlier, isn't it? About going back to France?"
Florence remained quiet for a moment before spinning to face him, "I just don't understand how you can want to go back."
"I have a duty to my men and to the country." Matthew explained.
"And what about your duty as a husband and as a father." Retorted Florence. "Do you think it fair on us for you to reject such an opportunity?"
"To spend the rest of the war as nothing more than a show pony on a recruitment drive? I could not do that. I have to do my bit." Matthew argued.
"You already have. You've been fighting for over two years and for those two years, I have had to sit here wondering if you are okay. Wondering if I was ever going to see you again. Wondering if you were lying in a trench somewhere, dying or injured. Or whether you'd been captured and held prisoner." Florence told him, her eyes beginning to well up at the thought of him going back to the war. "I-I've dreaded hearing any news in case it's bad news. I hear of men that my sisters and I know dying out there and all I can think of is you. I don't know what I would do if I lost you, Matthew, and your decision to return to the front when you have a way out, is… is… just putting me through that all over again for however long this war will go on."
"I'm sorry but I cannot stay here, safe and out of danger, when other men are laying down their lives for our country. It is my duty, just as it is theirs and I will not shrink from it." Matthew told her gently.
"You will not shrink from your duty" Florence looked away, hiding behind her hair as she wiped tears from her cheeks. "And yet it would be mine to tell Grace that the Papa that she barely knows is never returning home."
"That is unfair." Matthew protested, standing from the bed. "You know I love our daughter and I deeply regret that I have not been able to see her grow but I still have a duty to perform."
At that, Florence stopped talking. She could do nothing to stop the tears that fell. She could only wipe them away. They were at a stalemate. Florence knew Matthew and he was stubborn. Exceptionally so. There would be no talking him out of such ideals when they are so firmly rooted in him.
Matthew sighed, "Would you prefer that I sleep in the other–"
"No." Florence interjected. "No. I wouldn't. I am mad and I am upset but I… I have said what needs to be said. You know how I feel and I know how you do. The decision has been made and it cannot be changed so I have no choice but to accept it. I shall accept it. I do not want us to argue. Especially now. I would regret it for the rest of my life if I did not spend every moment that I could with you before you go back."
Matthew walked to stand beside her and offered her a hand, "Then let us do that. Will you join me in bed, my darling?"
Florence nodded, wiping her tears from her cheeks and taking his hand and allowed him to lead her to the bed.
The next day Florence and Matthew spent the day together with Grace at the Crawley house. There was no mention of Matthew going back to the war and there was no mention of the opportunity that he had turned down. Florence knew in her heart that while she was still mad that he had made that decision, she was also proud that she had married a brave man who would do what he thought was right. And while she was sad that he would one day return to the war and she would have to return to anxiously waiting for news, she would be a fool to let this precious time escape her. Time was short and she did not have time to argue with him.
Isobel was at the hospital for most of the day but Crawley House was a nice escape for Florence and Matthew when they wanted to be alone. They allowed Grace to run around the grassy lawn while sat on the patio furniture, watching over her as she ran herself to exhaustion.
"I cannot believe how big she has gotten." Matthew commented, "It seems like only yesterday that I held her in my arms for the first time."
Florence hummed in agreement as she took a sip of the tea that Moseley had brought out for them.
"She grows taller every day and more verbal. Nanny says that sweet is her word of the day." Florence told him. "It won't be long until she is talking our ears off, telling us how old we are and how we don't understand the youth of today."
Matthew chuckled and glanced over to her, "Would you like another one?"
"Well, we are expected to at least try for a boy. We need an heir." Florence replied.
"No. I mean would you like another one? Forget what is expected of us. That has never been what we are about." Matthew commented.
Florence smiled and nodded. "One day. When the war is done. Little Edward."
"Edward Robert." Matthew agreed, remembering the conversation they had during the pregnancy with Grace. It seemed like an age ago but he could still remember it clearly. The day the war began.
"But not right now. When the world is once again at peace and you are home safe, then we shall try. But not right now." Florence said.
Matthew nodded in agreement as they both turned to watch Grace play on the grass.
Matthew worked the next day with a new batch of injured soldiers arriving at the hospital. He went to help settle them in and transport them from the door to the beds. It seemed that the hospital was the topic of the day. Not just where the help was needed during the day when the soldiers arrived but also as the topic of conversation at dinner. It seemed that Isobel and Sybil had volunteered Downton Abbey as a place where the injured could go for a longer term recovery. Though Isobel and Sybil kind gave Florence a heads up. In fact, Florence was starting to wonder if she was getting a bit of a reputation.
"Florence, dear," Isobel drew her attention as Florence entered the hospital, once everything was settled from the new men arriving.
Florence had received a call from Isobel, asking her to come down and she was quickly ushered into the side room with Major Clarkson, Isobel and Sybil. Matthew, who had still been at the hospital, joined them in the room also. Isobel was the one to explain the idea to her. "Do you think it would be possible?"
Florence paused and thought very carefully about the main players. Violet, maybe. Cora and Robert, most certainly. "Possibly. Papa is keen to help in the war effort after they informed him that he wouldn't be going to France. This would sooth over a few frayed ropes left from that disappointment. Matthew, you talk to Papa after dinner. You are in the best place to persuade him away from Granny and Mama."
Matthew nodded. "Of course."
"Our job would be convince Mama. We should get Mary on side as well" Florence said to Sybil. "We direct our persuasion to her."
"Not to Cousin Violet?" Isobel asked in confusion.
"No. If we direct it to both of them, they will almost certainly join forces and we will hit a wall. We will need to play them off of each other and to do that we need to rile Granny up. Direct it all at Mama. It's her decision." Florence told them.
Isobel understood where Florence was coming from and smiled, "And Cousin Violet will not like that. She needs to be in control."
"Which Mama will protest, most likely bringing her onto our side." Florence concluded.
As predicted, Violet had some very strong opinions on the matter that she shared when the women had all retired to the drawing room. "I think it's a ridiculous idea!"
"Why?" Sybil protested.
"Because this is a house not a hospital." Violet replied.
"It wouldn't be a hospital. Mama, a convalescent home is where people rest and recuperate before going home." Florence corrected, turning the conversation to Cora, just as planned. "Soldiers need somewhere to go to rest and recuperate and Downton was a big place with lots of rooms that aren't utilised to their full ability. This is our way of giving back to them for the sacrifice that they are making for us."
"But what if there are relapses, what then?" Violet questioned loudly, not liking that the opinion seemed to be based on Cora and not her. "Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry?"
"Oh, it would certainly be the most tremendous disturbance if you knew how chaotic things are as it is." Cora seemed to agree with Violet.
Florence made eye contact with Isobel and nodded towards her mother. Isobel moved quickly, taking a seat next to Cora and argued gently, "But when there's so much good can be done. Do we not owe it to our soldiers to help them when they need it"
Suddenly, Violet banged her walking stick on the floor, making everybody turn to her. "I forbid it! To have strange men prodding and prying around the house, to say nothing of pocketing the spoons. It's out of the question!"
"I hesitate to remind you, but this is my house now, Robert's and mine, and we will make the decision." Cora said firmly to Violet.
Florence and Sybil shared an amused look as it played out exactly as planned.
Core stood from her chair, taking a drink from Mrs Hughes and moved to stand at Violet's side but not looking at her.
"I see. So now I'm an outsider who need not be consulted?" Violet questioned in a stunned manner.
"Since you put it like that, yes." Cora told her firmly.
The awkward silence that followed was strained. Sybil went to speak, presumably to press more about the role Downton could play in the war, but Florence gently put a hand on her arm. Sybil glanced over and Florence simply shook her head.
As Edith begun a new conversation with Isobel about the work on the farm, Florence whispered over to Sybil, "Let it rest for now. Granny is out of the decision. Press Mama now and she will take three steps back. Let Mama and Papa talk. If Matthew has spoken to him as we agreed then we need only let them make the final decision."
Sybil nodded in understanding and they were soon joined by Matthew and Robert. Florence quickly excused herself from Sybil and joined her husband's side.
"Did you speak with him?" Florence asked.
Matthew nodded, "Yes, I believe I may have won him round to the idea. How did things go in here?"
Florence smiled slightly, "As expected. It was rather explosive."
Matthew chuckled, "Sometimes I think everything in this family is."
"Well, you are not wrong." Florence agreed.
"Edith seems jolly tonight." Matthew commented, glancing over to where Edith and Sybil were talking.
"Yes, did I tell you she was helping at a farm. She seems to be enjoying it." Florence replied.
"Good for her. And how did the rest of Sir Carlisle's visit go?" Matthew questioned.
"I'm not sure. Mary has been rather tight lipped about it all." Florence replied. "Though, I suppose we shall find out in time.
"Indeed." Matthew agreed.
The next morning, Matthew had to leave early so Florence woke with him and saw him off before returning inside to have breakfast with Papa, Edith and Mary. As a married woman, she could have a tray up to the bedroom but Florence had never had enjoyed that. She idea of eating in bed made her uncomfortable. She much preferred eating with the rest of the family as she had always done.
Naturally, she was the first to enter but her Papa, Mary and Edith were not far behind.
"Are you sure you should be doing this, Carson?" Robert inquired as Carson served some toast in the centre of the table. "We've managed very well with Mrs. Hughes."
"Quite sure, M'lord." Carson replied. "And breakfast is not a taxing assignment."
Mary and Florence glanced up at Carson as he said it and then shared an amused glance. Oh Carson! Whatever would we do without him.
"Edith, this is a message for you. Mrs Drake writes that they've decided to hire a man, so they won't be needing you anymore." Robert says, reading through the mail.
"Is that all she says?" Edith questioned.
"Well, she's very grateful. Here we are. She says she and Drake send their thanks to you for giving up so much of your valuable time. I expect it's rather a relief." Robert commented.
Mary and Florence shared another look. They had both noticed how Edith's mood had greatly improved since she started working at the farm and Edith confirmed it with her response, "Oh I wouldn't say that. Not entirely."
"Has Lady Sybil gone already?" Robert asked back to Carson.
"She had a tray at half past six." Carson answered.
"She would." Robert commented. "Carson have they told you we're to be turned into a hospital?"
"A convalescent home." Florence corrected.
"I'm afraid we've all bullied you into the whole thing. I hope you're not dreading it too much." Mary added.
"Not dreading it exactly, but it's a brave new world we're headed for, no doubt about that. We must try to meet it with as much grace as we can muster." Robert concluded, moving onto the next letter.
AN: Thank you to all of my reviewers and favourable. It fills me with so much joy to hear that people are enjoying my writing.