Sorry about the long delay guys! If you follow other stories of mine, you'll understand why :oP but HERE IT IS! Several people asked for an update, and I finally felt the muse again, so I hope you enjoy! Things are picking up, and Larry is quite observant and may take notice of something...hmmmmmm... ;o) THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING, READING, AND REVIEWING!
War
August, 1914
It's the first time he's seen her since her ball.
They did not part well, her stalking off after he tried to show her some understanding and sympathy for what happened in Ripon. He was concerned for her, especially when he realized how horribly far she had fallen. Damn politics; women shouldn't get involved with such things! Couldn't she see that? He truly was thinking of her best interests! But no; she behaved like a spoiled child, having a tantrum, and instead of spending the night in his arms, letting him kiss her, she stomps away and ignores him.
Well, let's see if she'll ignore him now?
It's the annual garden party, but unlike previous years, spirits are not as high. Two reasons mainly; he knows about Lady Grantham's "accident". Plus, there is the threat that "something" may happen on the Continent after the Arch Duke's assassination. To be quite honest, he couldn't care less what happens. The only thing he cares about is her. And he spies her standing not so far away, next to her sister and a few others, looking rather bored.
And she's not wearing that shocking frock. He doesn't know whether he's relieved by this (after all, he doesn't want other men looking at her legs), or disappointed (because he rather liked seeing her legs).
He squares his shoulders, adjusts his tie and hat, puts on a smile, and feels ready to go and greet her.
…And then he shows up.
WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS THE DAMN CHAUFFEUR DOING HERE?!
Larry growls as he watches the paddy lean close and whisper something into her ear. She squeals! That bored expression she was wearing disappears and is replaced by a smile. WHY? What did the grubby mick say to her?
Suddenly they're both running; he watches as they bound up to one of the maids, saying something that causes her to gasp, before thrusting a tray into another maid's hands and then LAUNCHING herself at them.
His stomach turns as he watches the three embrace.
Oh Sybil, how could you? It's one thing to publically embrace a housemaid, but to allow HIM to touch her as well? He grinds his teeth, prepared to push his way forward and bring a stop to all this, but he doesn't have to, because the housekeeper is there to do it for him.
…But he notices something.
For a moment, the blood drains from his face.
His throat goes dry.
His head starts to throb.
And his eyes are fixed as notices Sybil's hand reach next to her…and watches as her fingers entwine with those of the chauffeur.
Red.
That's all he can see.
Red, the color of fire and rage, because that is what he feels.
He's still seeing red, even after Sybil leaves, even after the chauffeur walks away, even after Lord Grantham stops the music and announces that they are at war.
Indeed, they are.
And oh yes, it will be bloody.