Well, it has been an age since I have updated this story. Hopefully my writing will have improved from back then. Anyhow I hope you enjoy the continuation of this tale, time for some drama. Thank you for reading and Reviewing
"Well, how are we to act around her?" Lady Mary as she walked through the library were the rest of the family was seated. "With kindness I should hope, what else can be done" replied Tom looking up from a large volume he was reading. "Well remember only us and Carson and Barrow and a few other servants know about this horrible ordeal and let's keep it that way" stated Lord Grantham who was staring out of the window at the lawn. "Why are we making such a fuss, she's a servant, who could possibly bring gossip into the house, perhaps we should let her go" said Edith with a huff. At this statement Mary's eyes widened and she stood, pacing across the room she turned and looked at Edith "how could you possibly say something so horrible. The child has been through so many awful things and you want to cast her out because she could bring gossip into this house, honestly Edith, I thought I could find nothing more about you to dislike, you've proven me wrong" Edith began rising but Lady Grantham entered the room and said "Girls, calm down for now, Granny was walking up the stairs" her ladyship was interrupted by Mr. Carson announcing the Dowager's arrival.
"Mrs. Patmore, do you have that tray ready for Ember" asked Anna walking into the kitchen. "It's almost ready Anna, Daisy could you just put a cup of tea on the tray over there" stated Mrs. Patmore. As Daisy placed the tea down she stated "How is Mrs. Hill? I mean she hasn't been down since she came back last week" "Ember is doing much better thank you Daisy, I'll make sure to tell her your thinking of her" said Anna grabbing the tray and walking up the stairs. Knocking on the door Anna entered the girl's room. "How are you feeling today Ember" the kind women asked. "I feel much the same I'm afraid. And honestly I don't know what I'm feeling anyway" Ember said shaking her head. "What are you planning on doing with your hair?" Anna inquired as she set down the tray. The young girl's hair which had started growing out had now been roughly cut to clean one of the wounds on her neck. Touching blunt pieces Ember replied "I hadn't thought about it much, perhaps like when I first came to Downton, much shorter and less feminine, though I think Mr. Carson might not approve" Ember laughed thinking about how the Butler would react to her with a boys haircut. Anna joined in with the laughter but managed to say "I would be happy to do it later this week if you wish" "would you really" replied Ember with a smile. "Of course I will" Anna replied. Their conversation stopped when Thomas entered the room. "I've forgotten my gloves up here somewhere" he said before he noticed Anna. When he did he straightened up. Anna smiled and left the room hearing Ember say "I think you've left them in your wardrobe Thomas"
"So, you're telling me that you're going to London to see him on business?" inquired the Dowager as she and Edith were entering the dining room. "Yes, Granny, I don't know what you're talking about, I'm going to London to discuss my column and what suggestions my editor Mr. Gregson, he was at my birthday party if you remember" replied Edith sitting down next to Lady Grantham. "Oh, I see" said the Dowager who sat down when Alfred pulled his chair out for her. "So, the county fair is coming in a month or two, is Downton going to do something there this year?" Mrs. Crawley asked as most conversation had died down. "Well as a matter of fact Shrimpy has invited us to Dun-Eagle at that time, maybe Mrs. Patmore will sell something though, good idea Isabell" said Lady Grantham. The dinner finished without a problem and the party went through to the library once more.
Downstairs the staff was sitting down to their evening meal, Mr. Bates was still waiting on Anna, she made her appearance very shortly after. Walking down the stairs with Ember behind her; some looked up which caused Carson to do so also. "Ember, have you done something different with your hair" said Mr. Carson, it was not a question, it was a statement. Ember's hair had indeed changed, Anna had cut it much shorter with the back the shortest and bangs that parted farther on the left side. "Yes sir I have" the girl going to stand next to Thomas. With that everyone sat down and Mrs. Patmore served began setting down the meal. Thomas quickly looked over Ember, she looked even more masculine with her hair that way, she had hardly a chest at all, anyone would mistake her for a man if they didn't know who she was. Diverting his eyes Thomas said "You look very good, the hair it suits you" Ember looked over to him and said "Thank Thomas" "Did I just here Thomas give a complement, I dare say the end is nigh" said Mrs. Patmore heading back to the kitchen. "I can give a complement to people I like" Thomas said to the cooks back… (To Be Continued)