THERE ARE TWO UPDATES, so please read the next one (which will be posted as soon as this is). I felt it important that after witnessing all that he has witnessed, Larry would "act" on it, so we get this little scene (that has nothing to do with the show, but that's ok, because this is AU) :oP THANK YOU FOR READING! Please share your thoughts!

The Secret Meeting
June, 1918

The War will be over soon, so say the British press. Though to be fair, they've been saying that for the past four years. Yet there certainly seems to be a feeling that it will be over soon, hence why he finds himself busier than ever at the War Office in London.

He'd much rather be at his club, but at least his father is taking notice of his "diligence".

However, this has kept him from traveling back to Yorkshire and speaking with Lord Grantham about a very pressing matter. So imagine his happy surprise when he learns that the very man he wishes to speak to will be in London for a few days?

They meet on a Tuesday afternoon between luncheon and tea. He's been told multiple times that it will be a short meeting, as Lord Grantham needs to take the three o'clock train back to Downton. Not that Larry feels he needs a great quantity of time; he's quite confident that when he makes his intentions known, Lord Grantham will support him.

The two of them have just sat down in the library at Crawley House, Lord Grantham having poured him a glass of brandy. After one long, pleasured sip, Larry leans forward and voices his reason for wanting to meet with him.

"I have come to ask for Sybil's hand in marriage."

Lord Grantham almost chokes on his brandy. "W-w-what?" he sputters, after managing to calm his coughing chest.

Larry persists. "Our families have been friends for a great many years. I've grown up amongst your daughters. And from the nursery to now, I have always felt a closeness with Sybil."

Lord Grantham sets his glass down and continues to watch Larry, his expression unreadable. "That is true," he murmurs, more to himself than to Larry. "And you certainly were a good friend to dear Patrick."

Larry says nothing; best to let ghosts sleep.

"Forgive me…I must confess your request has left me speechless. I…I was not aware that you and Sybil had formed an attachment."

Larry's confident smile begins to waver, but only slightly.

"I will make her a very good husband," he continues. "I can continue to provide for her in the manner she is accustomed, assuring that she never wants for anything."

He feels his heart lift as Lord Grantham seems to nod his head in agreement. The man who will be his future father-in-law clearly approves!

"And…Sybil is aware of your affections? Of your desire to marry her?"

His heart begins to sink again.

"I only ask because, again…I myself was not aware of anything stronger than friendship between the both of you…"

Lord Grantham lets out a weary sigh and looks down at the ground, as if deeply troubled by something.

Larry holds his tongue, though he can't help but think that for a man who oversees a vast estate, he's rather blind to the goings on at his house. No wonder the filthy mick is still in his employ.

"To be fair…" Larry murmurs. "Sybil and I have not had as much opportunity to…to court, especially considering that her coming out happened mere weeks before the announcement of war—"

"Yes, of course," Lord Grantham answers. "Well…I think it best that, for the time being, we wait before announcing anything. The War should be over any day now—"

Lord Grantham is clearly sharing the same views of the press.

"—And I would like to speak with Sybil about this as well," he concludes. "However, if her feelings are similar to yours…"

Larry is too busy imagining Sybil in her wedding dress, walking down the aisle towards him, her face pink with blush, to pause and realize and accept the fact that he's not so confident in Sybil's answer as he is with Lord Grantham's to his proposal. But in the end, does it matter? Because with Lord Grantham in his corner, Sybil will surely come around, see reason, and accept.

"So…I have your blessing then?"

Lord Grantham forces a smile and lifts his brandy glass. "I would be honored to have you for a son-in-law."