We're getting closer...
Also, Larry Grey always reminded me of "Gaston" from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"-there's a Gaston moment in here; see if you recognize it ;oP Thanks for reading!
A Momentary Peace
November, 1918
On the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, at the eleventh hour, peace will finally be declared, and this long, bloody war will finally, officially, be over.
It is a somber day, one that is greeted with joy, but held with quiet reverence. Lord Grantham invited him to stay after his "sudden arrival" but a few days prior, when he dealt with the "imposter situation". He's been invited to the family for the observance; only fitting since he is, after all, engaged to his youngest daughter (unofficially).
Yes, he will need to rectify that, and soon. But now at the War is over, more concentration can be placed on other things, and Larry is imagining a Christmas proposal, right there on the steps of the great house (though he hopes it's not snowing so he won't have to worry about ruining a good pair of trousers).
On the morning of the observance, the remaining soldiers who are still convalescing gather in the Hall, as do the servants. Sybil and her fellow nurses stand off to the side, their shoulders back and their eyes forward, as if they were troops themselves. He can't help but admire her profile, even if she is in that dreadful, frumpy dress. Thank God that will be going soon, along with all the hospital equipment. Yes, normality will soon be restored, and Patrick's Downton will be back to how it was.
His eyes wander then to Lord Grantham's heir, sitting there in a wheel chair, trying to look stoic despite his pathetic state. Larry is surprised by the moment of pity he feels for the man. He's never cared for Capt. Crawley, but still, no man deserves the sort of fate he's been dealt with. Such a pity; such a waste.
Edith is sniveling to herself not so far away, no doubt weeping tears over that damn mummy. Of all people, she should have known better! He's disgusted by her behavior, to be quite honest.
Lord Grantham is speaking, addressing the room and saying something about "a new age" that they are entering, but Larry finds his focus shifting across the Hall to another figure, also standing straight and tall, his chin jutted out, his shoulders back, his hands folded behind him at attention, as if he were a soldier, when he's nothing but a grubby chauffeur who didn't lay down his life for king and country, the coward.
He forces his eyes away, though his fists remain clenched at his sides. One day he will get his revenge on the dirty mick; his jaw still throbs at the memory of that punch.
The last chime ends, and the room relaxes. The nurses go their way, the servants another. Soon he's left standing in the Hall by himself as everyone disperses.
Peace has been restored. And a new age has begun.
He stops at a jewelry store on his return to London and purchases a ring, the brightest, most spellbinding diamond he can find. His father will choke when he receives the bill, but it's worth the cost.
Sybil will be all the envy of Society when she shows off her hand this season.
As will he, when he shows her off on his arm.
Because what is a jewel, when compared to her?