After a very long time, this story is back.
In this chapter, we will talk about menopause, blood, periods and so on, so if you feel uncomfortable about these topics you are warned.
October 1910
Elsie had known for at least a month that something was wrong. In the kitchen, everybody knew that something was wrong. Lady Grantham had asked her more than once what was wrong with the cook. Elsie replied that in her opinion the hunting party was just a source of stress for the cook. When the hunting party was over Mrs. Patmore kept being very stressed and very snappy and rude with everyone.
"Mrs. Hughes, can I have a word with you please?" asked Mr. Carson getting into Mrs. Hughes' sitting room and closing the door behind her.
"What's wrong Mr. Carson?" asked Elsie closing her ledger and turning on the swivel chair.
"It's Mrs. Patmore. I think she has something wrong. Daisy was upset, the other kitchen maids are upset. What's wrong with her?" asked Mr. Carson.
"I might have a catch about it. But I don't know yet. And I have to talk to her." said Elsie getting up from the chair and putting away the work for the night.
"Good night, Mrs. Hughes."
"Good night, Mr. Carson"
Elsie climbed the stairs and went into her room. She couldn't wait to be in bed. She was tired. Lady Grantham was planning another party and Mrs. Hughes wasn't ready for it.
Elsie washed her face, removed her corset and she put on the nightgown. She got in bed and blew on the candle. At some point, she heard noises from Beryl's room, since it was next door from Elsie's. She got up from the bed and went straight into Beryl's room.
"Beryl, we have to talk." said Elsie looking at Beryl who was washing her face.
"What's wrong?" asked Beryl, she asked it in such a harsh way that Elsie wanted just to leave the room and let the cook in her own broth. But she was her friend and she wanted to know what was wrong.
"Beryl, you are not well. What's wrong with you? Do you need to see the doctor? Fair enough, I'll come with you tomorrow."
"I don't think I need the doctor. I am just not feeling like myself lately."
"Are you sick?" asked Elsie, looking at the flushed cook.
"I missed my period. Actually, I missed two." said Beryl
"Is it the change?" asked Elsie. Beryl was 51, and the menopause was expected to hit her at some point.
"I fear so. I can't deal with it. I am having hot flashes all the time, I can't stand anything and anybody." said Beryl, tears streaming down her face.
"Well, we will figure out something." replied Elsie looking at the cook. "And we are going to the doctor tomorrow."
"I don't want to discuss my things with the doctor." said Beryl "I'll think about it"
The following morning Beryl woke up at 5:30, it was early and she was having very bad cramps in her lower abdomen, much worse than the cramps she had experienced for over 30 years during her regular period.
"Elsie" said Beryl, trying to keep it cool, but she was scared to death "I am bleeding"
Elsie was still sleeping: "Five more minutes"
"Elsie, I am dying." said Beryl "Please, call the doctor"
Elsie jumped on her feet, got quickly dressed and sent one of the hall boys to call Dr. Clarkson.
"Beryl, lie down, do you want some water?" asked Elsie helping Beryl back in her bed.
"No, thank you."
Her skin was clammy and she was very very pale.
When the doctor arrived Elsie was very happy, she didn't know how to calm down the cook anymore.
Dr. Clarkson examined briefly Beryl and then asked Elsie for some ice and for some clean towels.
"Doctor, am I dying?" asked Beryl
"You are not, sometimes it happens when women go through the change. Just relax and you'll be fine." said the doctor pressing on Beryl's tense abdomen.
Elsie arrived back with ice and towels.
An hour later the doctor left and said: "Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore needs bed rest for at least 4 or 5 days. I will come tomorrow to check if everything is alright. In case she starts bleeding a lot again call me. She could need more medical attention."
"What's wrong with Mrs. Patmore?" asked Mr. Carson
"What I suspected, but it is hitting her harder than I thought. So she needs a few days of rest."
"It sounds bad."
"It's just women's stuff. And you don't want to hear about them" said Elsie smiling.
Elsie went back to Beryl's room, the cook looked a little less worried and she was getting back a little of colour on her cheeks.
"We are going to deal with it together" said Elsie smiling at Beryl.
"Thank you Elsie, you are really my best friend."