Articles
Disclaimer: Downton Abbey would be a very different show, believe me, If I were the one in charge. Downton Abbey belongs to Julian Fellowes.
Pairing/ Character(s): Anthony Strallan/ Edith Crawley.
Found
From my heart of hearts I would like to thank my wonderful husband, for so many things. Without his support and love this book would never have seen the light of day. His editing and thoughtful critiques have made my work what it is today. Most of all, I must thank my husband for helping me to find my voice. Without patience and prodding questions about MY opinions I would have never have had the courage to put a word on the page. Without you I would have never have found my voice and I sincerely thank you, Anthony. I love you with all that I am.
I dedicate this book to my children, Edward and Amelia, who did not know it but inspired me to write every time they asked me "why?"
Edith ran a hand over the dedication page of the newly published tome; the complete collection of all her articles and essays that had been published over the years. The publisher assured her that this copy was hers to keep – the first of many copies to be published. The weight of it made everything all the more real. Contained between these two covers was all of her hard work, all of her thoughts, her success, some of her struggles, and all of her sincere opinions.
Walking back to the London house, her book tucked under her arm Edith smiled wistfully. She could remember the first step on her journey to this anthology as if it were yesterday. Granted that first step had been significant for a number of reasons – it had been she first found her voice. It was also when she realized that Sir Anthony Strallan was a man she could fall in love with.
It had been early in the days of their earliest courtship. After tea in his library she had suggested a walk, spring was upon them in earnest and the flowers had never been lovelier. The conversation and the path had meandered. They had wondered along until they ended up standing at the edge of a field discussing crop rotations and tenet-landlord relations. For her part Edith hadn't a clue about much of anything regarding the conversation – her father and his estate manager discussed those issues in the privacy of the library. She was never involved in such decisions but she did enjoy listening to Anthony's voice, watching his eyes light up as he looked at the farmland – and at her.
"Well, what do you think?" He asked her, blue eyes studying her face intently. Edith was taken aback.
"What do I think? I hardly think I am qualified to give an opinion in this."
"I would like to hear what you think regardless." For a moment she just looked at him. No one wanted to hear her opinion. If she offered one at Downton she was either told to 'shut up' by Mary or 'that's nice, Dear' by her parents who promptly did whatever it was they wanted without her thoughts.
"Really? I know nothing about estate management, why would you want my opinion?" Anthony's eyes shone with a new light and he lightly took her hand, his expression serious. Kind but serious.
"Edith, Sweet One, I do not ask for an opinion if I am not interested in listening to it. I asked for your opinion because I think you are an intelligent young woman with thoughts that are worth listening to, you have important things to say. Now, if you would please – say them to me."