A Scandalous Affair Chapter 6
As they gathered in Robert's study, the three of them exchanged serious glances, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Robert, with a sense of regret, began to deliver the latest developments.
"Well, Murray is getting the newspaper to print that Mary was released without charge," he informed his mother and wife, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Unfortunately, the paper didn't actually print anything that was untrue, so we can't threaten a lawsuit."
Lady Violet, ever the pragmatist, responded thoughtfully, "It's about what I expected. Though I am worried about the mention of Sir Richard in the article."
Cora, her concern etched across her face, brought up another issue. "We must let Mary know what has been written. What about Edith and Sybil? Should we tell them?"
Violet considered this carefully. "We must ensure that both Branson and Sybil get a copy of the paper. We must make sure that they know how their actions have impacted Mary."
Robert, pondering the situation, questioned the necessity of such an action. "Mama, is that really necessary?"
Violet's tone grew firm as she emphasised her point. "Yes, to ensure that they both act in a manner that will serve the family when the time comes."
Cora, who had been silent for a moment, added, "I have spoken to Rosamund, and she will arrive at Downton sometime tomorrow."
Robert sighed heavily, knowing that there was one more person they needed to inform. "We will have to tell Matthew at some point too."
Lady Violet recognised the necessity of Matthew's involvement in this business. "It will be good to have another legal opinion on hand."
Cora grimaced at the thought of informing Matthew and, by extension, Isobel. Isobel's progressive nature was well-known and involving her in this delicate matter could lead to complications they didn't need. But with the family's reputation at stake, they had little choice but to seek assistance where they could find it.
As they concluded their discussion, the Crawley family prepared to face the uncertain days ahead, knowing that their every move would be scrutinised, and that the family's honour hung in the balance.
Branson sat alone in the small room within the servants' quarters at Downton, locked away from the rest of the household. His confinement weighed heavily on him, and the hours dragged on in agonising silence. The monotony only broken by a necessary bathroom break and when a servant brought him a drink. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind like a relentless loop, each moment filled with regret and despair.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see Thomas, holding a tray with a cup of tea and a slice of bread. Branson eyed the food with little enthusiasm; his appetite had been non-existent since his arrest.
Thomas, never one to pass up an opportunity to taunt Branson, couldn't resist. "Special delivery for Mr. Branson," he sneered as he placed the tray on the small table in the room. "Well, you have gotten yourself in a right spot of bother," Thomas grinned spitefully at Tom, he never liked the man and was glad he was getting his just deserts.
Branson's jaw clenched as he glared at Thomas. He had never been fond of the footman, and their animosity had only grown since his arrival at Downton. But now was not the time for confrontation. Branson knew he had brought this upon himself.
Without another word, Thomas turned to leave, but before he did, he couldn't resist one more jab. "Enjoy your breakfast, Branson," he said with a cruel grin before closing the door behind him.
Left alone with his thoughts, Branson finally picked up the tray and began to eat, though the food tasted like sawdust in his mouth. As he mechanically sipped the lukewarm tea and chewed on the bread, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his actions pressing down on him.
His eyes drifted to the newspaper that Thomas had left on the table. Branson had been so consumed by his own misery that he hadn't noticed it before. He unfolded the paper and began to read the headline, "Earl's Daughter Arrested in Prostitution Ring." The words struck him like a physical blow.
As he read the article detailing Lady Mary's arrest and the sordid circumstances surrounding it, a profound sense of guilt washed over him. It was his actions, his reckless decisions, that had led to this outcome. He had put Lady Mary in a compromising position, tarnished her reputation, and caused untold distress to her family.
Branson felt sick to his stomach as he realised the gravity of his actions. He had allowed his emotions and impulsive choices to lead him down a disastrous path, and now an innocent woman was suffering the consequences. He couldn't shake the overwhelming guilt that threatened to consume him.
With the newspaper still in hand, Branson sank back onto the small bed in his room. The weight of his guilt and the knowledge of the damage he had caused pressed down on him, leaving him feeling utterly powerless and trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
Sybil had spent the morning locked in her room, her defiance still burning strong despite her confinement. She believed in love, and she was convinced that her actions were driven by the purest of intentions. To her, running away with Tom Branson had been a bold declaration of their love and a stand against the constraints of social class and tradition.
However, her conviction began to waver as she sat alone in her room, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. The hours ticked by slowly, and her solitude allowed doubts to creep in. What if her actions had caused more harm than she had realised? What if she had not considered the consequences of her impulsive decision?
Mrs. Hughes arrived with a tray bearing breakfast—a hard-boiled egg, toast, and a cup of tea. She set the tray down on a small table near the window and looked at Sybil with a mixture of concern and sympathy. Mrs. Hughes had always been a steady and understanding presence in the household.
"I brought you some breakfast, Lady Sybil," Mrs. Hughes said gently. "It's important to keep your strength up."
Sybil nodded her thanks but remained silent. She was deep in thought, her eyes fixated on the tray before her. Then, as if a sudden realisation had struck her, she asked hesitantly, "Mrs. Hughes, may I see the newspaper, please?"
Mrs. Hughes hesitated for a moment, knowing the headlines could be distressing. But she understood that Sybil needed to face the consequences of her actions. She retrieved the newspaper from the hallway and handed it to Sybil.
As Sybil unfolded the paper and began to read the headline, her heart sank. "Earl's Daughter Arrested in Prostitution Ring." The words were like a harsh slap in the face, and she felt her defiance crumble in an instant.
The article detailed Lady Mary's arrest and the scandal that had unfolded at the brothel. Sybil's hands trembled as she read, and her eyes welled with tears. The reality of the situation hit her with full force. She had thought she was fighting for love, but she had unwittingly caused her beloved sister immeasurable harm and disgrace.
Tears streamed down Sybil's cheeks as she realised the gravity of her actions. She had been so blinded by her own desires and ideals that she had failed to consider the consequences for her family, especially Lady Mary. In that moment, her defiance gave way to overwhelming guilt and remorse.
Mrs. Hughes watched Sybil silently, her heart going out to the young woman who had acted impulsively out of love and naivety. She knew that Sybil had learned a painful lesson—one that would shape her understanding of the world and her place in it.
The atmosphere at the luncheon table was heavy with tension, an unspoken understanding that the family was facing a crisis that went beyond their usual concerns. Lady Violet's presence was keenly felt, her attendance typically brought a certain order and guidance to the family's discussions.
Edith's uncharacteristic conciliatory tone toward Mary did not go unnoticed. It was a testament to the severity of the situation that even the most bitter of rivalries had been temporarily set aside. As they ate in silence, each family member seemed lost in their thoughts, contemplating the gravity of the scandal that had befallen them.
Violet entered the conversation with her usual air of authority. "Rosamund is making progress with her part of the plan," she announced, her tone brooking no argument. "She will arrive from London on the morning train to offer her support."
Mary merely nodded in response, her appetite gone, and her thoughts consumed by the impending arrival of her aunt. Rosamund, her father's sister, had always been a pragmatic and level-headed woman. Mary hoped that her aunt's presence would bring some clarity and direction to their current predicament.
Lord Grantham took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking again. "I have asked Matthew to come to the house," he announced, and at the mention of Matthew, Mary's face tightened involuntarily. Her feelings for her cousin were complex and deep-rooted, and the prospect of him learning about her disgrace weighed heavily on her.
Matthew had been a steadfast presence in her life for the past six years, even as he prepared to marry Lavinia. She suffered the agonies of an unrequited love, entirely of her own making. The idea of him knowing the truth—however twisted and untrue it might be—was a source of deep pain. Strangely, in that moment, she hadn't spared a thought for her fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle.
The family luncheon continued in strained silence, each member grappling with their own thoughts and anxieties. The spectre of the impending conversation with Matthew loomed large, and they could only hope that together, they would find a way to weather this storm.
Matthew Crawley arrived at Downton with a sense of puzzlement. Carson's grave expression had him worried as they exchanged pleasantries in the entrance hall. His dinner with Lavinia and his mother at Downton was scheduled for the evening, so this unexpected summons was perplexing.
"His Lordship is expecting you in the small library," Carson informed him with an unusual seriousness.
Matthew furrowed his brow in confusion but said nothing more as he made his way to the small library. Passing through the opulent rooms of the grand house, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Whatever had prompted this meeting with his cousin Robert was clearly no ordinary family matter.
Upon entering the small library, Matthew was surprised to find Robert not seated at his desk, as he had expected, but rather on one of the settees with a low table nearby. On the table lay several folded newspapers.
"Matthew, my boy," Robert greeted him, though his tone lacked the usual joviality. "I think you best have a seat."
Matthew's apprehension deepened, and his mind raced with questions. What could have transpired that warranted such an unusual setup?
"I think the best thing for it is to just read the papers," Robert suggested gravely, pushing the newspapers toward Matthew.
Curiosity mingled with trepidation as Matthew picked up the top newspaper and unfolded it. His breath caught as he read the headline, "Earl's Daughter Arrested as Part of Prostitution Ring," emblazoned across the page. A photograph of Mary, dishevelled and distraught, accompanied the article.
Matthew couldn't believe his eyes. "This cannot be true," he uttered in astonishment, looking to his cousin Robert for confirmation.
"Of course, it's not true," Robert replied, his tone laced with annoyance. He then proceeded to explain the events of the previous night. Sybil's attempted elopement with Branson, Edith's and Mary's misguided rescue mission to the brothel, and the subsequent arrest of Mary and Branson during a police raid.
Matthew was momentarily stunned. The notion of Tom Branson willingly taking Sybil to a brothel seemed preposterous. He had known Branson for years as a passionate advocate for the common man and woman, but this action didn't align with the man he thought he knew.
Returning his attention to the damning article, Matthew felt a mix of emotions. "Is there anything I can do for Mary or the family?" he inquired sincerely. He knew his feelings for Mary still ran deep, but he was engaged to Lavinia and couldn't entertain any romantic notions.
"Not at the moment," Robert replied. "Murray is working on getting the story retracted."
Matthew couldn't help but feel sceptical about the chances of a retraction, given the photographic evidence. He sighed with a sense of helplessness.
"For now, we need you and your mother to present a united front for society until we find a solution," Robert explained.
"Of course, Robert," Matthew agreed, his sense of duty compelling him to offer his support in this trying time.
With that, Matthew departed from Downton, ready to break the distressing news to Lavinia and his mother, uncertain of how this unexpected turn of events would impact their lives.
The family gathered in the Blue Room before dinner, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the evening papers from Carlisle. Matthew, his fiancée Lavinia, and his mother, Isobel Crawley, had come to Downton for dinner that night. Tensions were running high as they all wondered what the publisher had written about Lady Mary's recent ordeal.
Lavinia, while feeling a twinge of sympathy for Lady Mary, couldn't help but secretly harbour some relief. She, too, had crossed paths with Lady Mary's fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle, who was a well-known newspaper publisher. Her own family had been embroiled in a scandal involving a corrupt politician, and Sir Richard had played a part in it. Inwardly, she hoped that this incident would finally push Matthew to sever ties with Mary once and for all.
"Carson," Robert inquired, "any news yet on the Carlisle papers?"
"No, my lord," replied Carson, his usually impeccable composure showing signs of strain. Robert sighed in impatience, a feeling that did not sit well with him. His mother, Lady Violet, leaned in with some sage advice. "You'll just have to be patient, Robert. They will arrive when they arrive."
"Yes, dear," Cora said, echoing the sentiment of her mother-in-law, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Meanwhile, Lady Mary, despite her brave facade, felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. She tried to smile at her relations and expressed her belief that this was all a misunderstanding. She was convinced that the next article would clear her name.
Sybil, guilt-ridden over her role in her sister's predicament, voiced her agreement with Mary. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had caused real harm to her beloved elder sister. Lady Edith, who had narrowly avoided being caught in the raid during their rescue mission for Sybil, shivered at the thought of what might have been.
Eventually, the family made their way to the dining room to start their meal. Carson and Thomas served them, but the usual conversation and appetite that accompanied their meals were conspicuously absent. Isobel tried her best to distract the family with talk of Matthew and Lavinia's impending wedding, but her efforts seemed in vain. Mary's unrequited love for Matthew still weighed heavily on her, to cheerfully participate in the conversation.
Lady Cora then shifted the conversation to the Cottage Hospital in Downton Village, a topic that had often been a source of contention between Lady Violet, Lady Cora, and their cousin, Isobel. The three women vied for control and influence over the hospital, making it a sensitive subject.
Finally, the meal was over, but instead of the usual separation of the sexes—men retiring to the dining room for cigars and brandy while the women adjourned to the Blue Room—the entire family proceeded together. Lord Grantham instructed Carson to bring the newspapers to him, while Thomas served after-dinner drinks.
Mr. Carson descended to the servants' hall and was met by Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper. Her face was sombre, and her eyes conveyed a sense of sorrow as she shook her head slightly. She handed Mr. Carson several newspapers with a grave expression. "Here," she said in her Scottish accent, "you best take these up."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hughes," Mr. Carson replied and swiftly made his way back to the Crawley family upstairs.
Upon entering the Blue Room, a hush descended over the family as they eagerly awaited the news. Robert cleared his throat and said, "The papers for you, my lord," as he handed them over. With the flick of his eyes, he gestured for Thomas to accompany him, and they discreetly left the room.
Carson handed the newspapers to Lord Grantham, and the family eagerly awaited their contents. Lord Grantham opened the first newspaper and began to read aloud:
"'Lady Crawley Arrested in a Case of Mistaken Identity,'" he announced, a relieved smile forming on his face. The family let out a collective sigh of relief, their faces hopeful.
Robert paused to look around the room at his family members before continuing to read:
"'This newspaper, 'The Daily Bugle,' can confirm that Lady Mary Crawley, the daughter of the Earl of Grantham, was arrested yesterday in a sting operation conducted by the Carlisle police force by accident. This paper has found out that Lady Mary Crawley was on the way to see her cousin in Scotland, the Marquess of Flintshire, when the motor she was traveling in broke down in the town of Carlton. Her loyal servant, Branson, the chauffeur, located a room in the unfortunate inn and secured it for Lady Mary.'"
Robert stopped reading momentarily, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. The room was filled with relief as they realised that the newspaper was printing a complete retraction of the earlier scandalous story.
"Go on, Robert, read us the rest," Cora encouraged.
However, as Lord Grantham continued to read, his brow furrowed:
"'As reported, it was a coincidence that Lady Mary Crawley was arrested during the raid on the well-known 'knockin shop,' and she was only in residence due to her broken motor. It is not for this humble reporter to comment on the strange practices of the Earl of Grantham's household.'"
Robert paused again, his expression turning grim.
"'For it appears that Lady Mary was not registered under her own name that night, but under the name of Mrs. Branson. Maybe this is a security precaution, and Lord Grantham always requires a male servant to stand guard over his daughters? I am not a member of the aristocracy and couldn't possibly comment on their actions.'"
Robert's face darkened further as he continued reading:
"'But the evidence clearly shows a Mr. and Mrs. Branson were registered in room 5, incidentally the room where Lady Mary and Branson were arrested later that night. Also, it can be reported that there were two additional vacant rooms that night, as can be seen clearly in the Inn's register.'" Here, the newspaper had printed a helpful photo of the Inn register, for all to see.
As Robert stopped reading, the room fell into a stunned silence. The implications of the article were grave, and it seemed that the newspaper was now insinuating something much more scandalous.
"'This reporter can confirm that Lord Grantham had all charges against his daughter, Lady Mary Crawley, and his diligent servant, Tom Branson, dropped, and that Lord Grantham personally collected them from the Carlisle Central Police Station early this morning.'"
Robert looked up from the newspaper, his face pale. Mary appeared shaken and on the verge of fainting. Sybil was in tears again, her hopes dashed. Lavinia looked awkward, caught in the middle of a very private family matter, while Matthew seemed furious on Mary's behalf.
Lady Violet pursed her lips and commented, "Well, now we know why they didn't mention Branson in the morning papers. They wanted us on our knees so they could bring the hatchet to our necks."
With a shaky voice, Mary announced, "I think I will retire for the night. I have a slight headache." Edith, displaying an unusual sisterly concern, accompanied her sister upstairs.
Cora looked desperate as she turned to her mother-in-law. "What will we do, Mama?" she implored.
Lady Violet reassured them with a cryptic remark, "Don't worry; I have a plan for the worst-case scenario."
The rest of the family couldn't help but wonder what Lady Violet's plan entailed, as uncertainty and anxiety continued to grip them all.
Tom Branson sat in the dimly lit room, the evening article from the Daily Bugle now a crumpled mess in his trembling hands. He had read the damning words that had finally linked his name to that of Lady Mary Crawley. The consequences of his actions had finally caught up with him.
A profound realisation washed over him; his dreams of a life with Sybil, a life away from Downton and the aristocracy, were now shattered. They had talked about it, planned for it, even imagined the day when they would break the news to her parents and leave the estate behind. But now, all of those dreams seemed like fragile illusions.
Tom was an intelligent man, but he had always been impulsive. He understood the gravity of his mistakes, and the guilt weighed heavily on his shoulders. If only he had listened to Sybil, given her the time she had asked for to prepare her parents for their announcement. But no, his impetuousness had led them down this treacherous path.
He couldn't help but pound his closed fist on the bed in anger at himself. His actions had not only put Lady Mary in jeopardy but had also terminated any chance of a future with Sybil. Every moment of happiness they had shared seemed like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the consequences of their ill-fated decision.
As he leaned back on the bed, he covered his eyes with his arm, struggling to contain the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. The tears that escaped from his eyes were a rare display of vulnerability. Every man, even one as determined and resolute as Tom Branson, had moments when self-pity and regret became almost unbearable. He was now on an irrevocable path that he had never anticipated or desired, and the weight of that reality bore down on him.
Note: One more chapter to go.
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