Brothers United: A Time of War Part Two
As soon as he returned home after ferrying the family back from dinner, Tom rushed to the cottage he shared with his brother, Thomas. It had been one of the first things he had requested upon his arrival at Downton Abbey, the opportunity to live with his brother. Mr. Carson had initially resisted the idea, but Tom had a knack for observing family dynamics and knew that Lady Mary held significant sway over the butler. After subtly pointing out how long he and Thomas had been separated, Lady Mary and Lady Sybil had championed the idea of the brothers sharing the cottage.
Tom's anxiety grew as he eagerly awaited Thomas's return. He paced back and forth in the small cottage, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The weight of their impending entrance exam for the army hung heavily on his mind.
Finally, he heard the latch of the cottage door turning, and he stopped in his tracks. Tom watched intently as Thomas entered, holding his breath in anticipation. "Well?" he asked anxiously.
Thomas initially wore a solemn expression, but it quickly transformed into a wide grin. "Carson told me just before dinner service that I'll be staying until after Christmas," Thomas announced. Tom let out a relieved sigh, a broad smile breaking across his face.
"That's fantastic news," Tom said, relief evident in his voice. "Now we have some time to prepare for the entrance exam."
Thomas, however, didn't share his brother's enthusiasm for exam preparation. "Seriously?" he questioned, a hint of concern in his tone, "I am already studying for The London University Matriculation Examination."
Tom nodded firmly. "Yes, seriously. If we want to be valuable to the army and avoid being sent straight to the front lines, we need to excel," he explained. "I've encountered the types in the officer corps during my time at university. They'll try to prove themselves by making it difficult for us, especially given our backgrounds."
Tom leaned forward, his gaze locked onto Thomas. "We have to be ready for whatever they throw at us," he emphasised.
Thomas listened carefully to his brother's words, a mix of determination and worry on his face. "I trust you," Thomas finally replied, realising that Tom's experience and knowledge could be their greatest asset.
Tom smiled and moved to the kitchen, where he had prepared tea for the both of them. "Here, I made us some tea. Let's sit down and start making plans," he suggested.
The brothers settled at the kitchen table, sipping their tea as Tom laid out a study plan for their upcoming entrance exam. Together, they began the process of preparing for the challenges that lay ahead, determined to prove their worth to the army.
March 1915 brought an air of change to Downton Abbey, a change that wasn't universally welcomed. The war had already wrought considerable upheaval, and now, Tom Branson and his brother Thomas were stirring the pot in their own unique way.
Mr. Carson, the formidable butler who was steadfast in his beliefs and rules, found himself increasingly at odds with the two brothers. Tom, with his education, charm, and political leanings, clashed with Carson's sense of order and hierarchy. Mr. Carson couldn't fathom why Tom insisted on challenging the established social norms. His penchant for discussing politics, especially the kind that questioned the status quo, made him a target for Carson's disapproval.
Thomas, on the other hand, was a reserved individual, not inclined to form easy friendships. His standoffish demeanour didn't win him any favours among the staff. Carson, who appreciated a sense of propriety and hierarchy among the servants, saw Thomas as a disruptive influence and often made pointed comments about his behaviour.
But not everyone at Downton shared Carson's sentiments. Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, had a different perspective. She valued Thomas's reserve and steadfastness. With him, she never had to worry about flirtations or romantic entanglements with the housemaids, and he consistently fulfilled his duties. She also appreciated the deep bond the two brothers shared, a rare sight in the aristocratic households.
Ever since Tom's arrival, he had a positive influence on his brother, guiding him away from the conniving O'Brien's influence. Thomas's conflicts with other servants had lessened, making for a more harmonious atmosphere below stairs.
Tom Branson possessed a natural charm that was hard for anyone to resist. His easy smiles and engaging conversation drew people in effortlessly. He had a knack for making people feel comfortable in his presence, and as long as he avoided dwelling on politics, he was a delightful companion.
Whenever Tom spoke, it was as if he wove a tapestry of words that captivated his listeners. His knowledge and insights were far-reaching, and he had a unique ability to make even the most complex topics seem accessible. Whether he was discussing literature, history, or current events, his enthusiasm was contagious.
Thomas, Tom's protective older brother, ensured that no maid at Downton would dare cast more than a passing glance in Tom's direction. His stern scowls and occasional sharp words sent a clear message that Tom was off-limits. There was no room for romantic entanglements or distractions below stairs, and Thomas took his role as protector seriously.
Yet, Thomas's efforts in guarding Tom's reputation sometimes backfired, at least in the eyes of two particular Crawley sisters. Lady Sybil and Lady Mary seemed impervious to Thomas's scowls and maintained a friendly rapport with Tom. Their ability to see beyond the class distinctions fascinated Tom, and they engaged in conversations that transcended the usual boundaries of upstairs and downstairs.
Mrs. Hughes, the observant housekeeper, was well aware of Tom's attractiveness and his unique bond with the Crawley family. She admired his ability to navigate the intricacies of their world, and she respected his intelligence and charm. In many ways, Tom was a bridge between the two worlds of Downton Abbey.
As the spectre of war loomed larger, Mrs. Hughes couldn't help but worry about the fate of the two young men. She had grown fond of them both and knew that their departure would leave a void below stairs. She hoped and prayed that they would return safely and that the world they returned to would be a better place.
One person who definitely wasn't immune to Tom's charm was Mrs. Patmore, the head cook. Tom's winning personality had already convinced her to extract a promise from the brothers to let her know wherever they were posted. She intended to send them care packages filled with her famous baked goods, ensuring they had a taste of home while they were away at war. It was a small gesture of affection and support for two young men who had made a lasting impression on the staff of Downton Abbey.
Tom, with his easy smiles and engaging conversations, charmed his way into the hearts of many at Downton. His political discussions, though they ruffled Carson's feathers, were enjoyed by those who didn't mind a bit of intellectual stimulation.
Even Anna and Mr Bates, who often found themselves at the centre of Thomas's machinations, began to appreciate Tom's presence. With Tom around, Thomas's hostility toward Mr. Bates had diminished considerably. They weren't friends, but they had reached a tolerable coexistence, which was a significant improvement.
What amused the rest of the staff the most was the intense and passionate debates that would frequently arise when Tom and Thomas got into an argument. The Branson brothers would engage in heated discussions, always taking polar opposite views on various topics. It was an entertaining spectacle for the other servants, who knew that beneath the arguments, there was a deep brotherly bond.
Mr. Bates, who had an observant eye, suspected that the brothers secretly agreed more often than they let on, but they seemed to derive pleasure from the act of arguing with each other. Their debates had an unexpected side effect – they encouraged others to engage in lively discussions as well. Even Mr. Mosley, Mr. Crawley's Butler/Valet, found himself drawn into these intellectual exchanges. His passion for history and literature made him a valuable addition to the debates.
Every now and then, Mrs. Hughes would offer her opinions on Scottish politics or history, surprising those who weren't aware of her interests. Mr. Carson frowned upon these discussions, fearing that the influence of revolutionary politics might infiltrate the hallowed halls of Downton. But despite Carson's reservations, the spirited debates continued, creating a unique bond among the servants during these tumultuous times.
Tom Branson, always resourceful and forward-thinking, had taken the initiative to secure references that would emphasise both his and Thomas's language skills. He understood that their ability to serve effectively in the army, and hopefully away from the dangerous front lines, hinged on proving their linguistic proficiency.
The family at Downton Abbey was genuinely surprised by the extent of Thomas's language proficiency. It was an unexpected revelation, and Lord Grantham, with Lady Mary's support, decided to put it to the test. Tom, while agreeing with the plan, couldn't help but hide his disdain for Lord Grantham's limited language skills, especially his insistence on Lady Mary conducting the assessment.
Thomas, aware of Tom's warnings, approached the French interview with Lady Mary with caution. He knew better than to antagonise her by highlighting her imperfections in French. The interview proceeded smoothly, and Thomas's composure ensured that there were no incidents to mar their references.
Lord Grantham, appreciative of Thomas's language skills, wrote a highly favourable and positive reference for both Tom and Thomas. It was a testament to their value within the household. In addition to Lord Grantham's reference, they also secured a reference from the respected housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes.
Tom, with his academic background and fluency in multiple languages, had an impressive collection of references from his former college professors. These references highlighted his linguistic talents and the intellectual rigor he brought to his studies.
Tom even reached out to his foster father, Otto Gunther, to secure a reference from Thomas's old headmaster at his school in Bray. The headmaster had always praised Thomas's language acumen and dedication to his studies. It was yet another testament to their qualifications.
However, the most crucial recommendation for Thomas was his successful completion of The London University Matriculation Examination. This was a well-thought-out plan that predated the war. Thomas had diligently studied for this examination, knowing it would provide him with the qualifications necessary to enter university. The brothers' determination to better themselves and their evident intelligence had won the admiration of many of their former teachers and college professors.
Thomas's outstanding performance on the examination came as a surprise to him but was not unexpected by Tom, who had always believed in his brother's abilities.
With their impressive references and qualifications in hand, Tom and Thomas took a morning off from their duties at Downton Abbey, with Lord Grantham's blessings, to proceed with their enlistment in Ripon. Their hope was that their efforts would indeed prove them too valuable to be relegated to the front lines as mere cannon fodder.
Tom and Thomas had embarked on their journey to the enlistment office in Ripon together. Upon arriving, they faced a recruitment officer who seemed somewhat sceptical about their claims of fluency in multiple languages. However, he meticulously reviewed their references and qualifications, which unequivocally attested to their language proficiency, including the reference provided by none other than the Earl of Grantham himself.
Their qualifications set them apart from the other young men crowding the recruitment office, leading to their being ushered into a smaller, quieter room under the charge of a young lieutenant. He explained the nature of their upcoming examination, which would assess their proficiency in French and German, the only two languages for which he had tests available.
Tom, ever the charismatic linguist, inquired in French whether there would be an oral examination. The lieutenant, taken aback by the sudden barrage of French, stammered a response, confirming that oral proficiency would be evaluated after the written tests had been reviewed.
With that, the brothers exchanged a meaningful look and settled in to begin the written tests. Thomas couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness; these exams held more significance than any he had taken before. Thankfully, Tom had diligently drilled him on various essay techniques and potential questions they might encounter.
They had also deliberated extensively on how to explain their language skills. Choosing to stay as close to the truth as possible, they shared the story of Tom's foster father, a German national who had emigrated to Ireland over two and a half decades ago with his Swiss wife. They attributed their linguistic abilities to their polyglot foster parents, who had imparted their love for languages to their foster children.
The unexpected appearance of crossword puzzles in both French and German caught them off guard. It had been years since Thomas had attempted one, not since his childhood days in distant Bray, when their foster father subscribed to foreign magazines, and the family would spend Sunday afternoons joyfully solving puzzles together. The pleasant memory provided a welcome distraction from the anxiety of the exam.
As they diligently worked on the puzzles, Thomas couldn't help but notice Tom's swifter progress, motivating him to pick up the pace. When they had completed the tests, the lieutenant approached with a slight frown, causing a momentary unease. Tom, however, gave Thomas an encouraging smile and raised an eyebrow, alleviating some of his worries.
The lieutenant checked the time, noting that they had finished earlier than expected. He then surprised them by presenting additional exams, stating that since they had completed the previous ones so swiftly, they might as well tackle these too. He meticulously noted their enlistment numbers, names, ages, and the start time on each answer sheet.
"These should take about thirty minutes each," he informed them before stepping away to attend to other matters. He gestured toward the door, where a sergeant was stationed, accompanied by a well-dressed young man who was promptly seated and handed an exam paper.
Tom and Thomas, undaunted by the new challenge, proceeded to tackle the additional exams. These comprised basic mathematics, logic puzzles, and a rather peculiar section involving hypothetical scenarios and problem-solving approaches. Thomas, a pragmatist at heart, found these questions relatively straightforward, though he couldn't help but wonder about their purpose and how Tom, with his different perspective, would respond.
Finally, they completed all the exams, and the lieutenant collected their answer sheets, meticulously recording the date and time on each one. He then guided them to the next room, ensuring their enlistment papers were safely enclosed in a manila envelope to be presented to the medical officer for further processing.
"Just wait here; someone will be along shortly to take you to your medical examination," he informed them before exiting the room, leaving the brothers in eager anticipation of the next step in their enlistment journey.
After enduring the battery of exams and completing their medical evaluations, Tom and Thomas were relieved to discover the presence of a convenience. They promptly made use of it, taking a moment to relieve themselves after the taxing examinations. Nearby, they spotted a tea urn, surrounded by stacks of chipped mugs.
The sight of the tea urn gave them pause. Tom looked at it questioningly, asking his brother, "Do you think that's for us?" Thomas considered this for a moment before shaking his head. "Nah," he replied with a wry grin, "I reckon that's for the officers. It's probably a trap." Tom chuckled at his brother's cynical assessment. "Well, I suppose we can stop for a quick one on the way back to the train station," he quipped, his own grin mirroring Thomas's. They both seemed inclined to indulge in a brief respite, savouring the idea of taking their time returning to Downton and their daily duties.
Before long, they received a summons for their medical examinations. In the examination room, they endured a thorough poking and prodding before they were finally dismissed. On their way out, Tom approached an orderly and inquired about the timeframe for receiving their results. The response was a gruff "probably a week," to which the brothers nodded in acknowledgment.
With that, they handed their manila envelopes containing various forms and examination results to a corporal who was acting as a clerk. With their immediate tasks completed, the brothers set off in search of liquid refreshment, intending to indulge in the time-honoured tradition of a post-exam postmortem before embarking on their journey back to Downton.
The clock struck 4 pm as the two brothers, Tom and Thomas, arrived back at Downton. Mr. Carson, the ever-watchful butler, was waiting with a suspicious look on his face. His voice carried an edge of disapproval as he demanded to know why they were returning so late. In his eyes, a morning enlistment should not have taken nearly this long, and the gardeners certainly never lingered for such durations.
Tom, with his characteristic charm, wore a placid smile as he addressed the room in general. He explained that their extended absence was due to the battery of examinations and the medical evaluations they had undergone as part of the enlistment process. Mr. Carson's frown deepened, and his suspicion intensified. He was uncharitably suspicious that the brothers might be attempting to present themselves as something they were not.
In Mr. Carson's world, the rigid class system held a vice-like grip, and he enforced the class divide with all the authority he possessed. The notion of servants aspiring to positions beyond their station was unsettling to him.
In contrast, Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, displayed a more inquisitive and empathetic demeanour. She wanted to know how they had fared in the examinations. Thomas, who had faced a daunting math exam, couldn't help but grimace as he explained it. On the other hand, Tom exuded confidence, assuring everyone that they both had done well.
Over the following week, the rest of the family took an interest in their experience and inquired about it. Tom and Thomas happily recounted their trials and tribulations.
During one such conversation, Lady Mary, with her characteristic curiosity, regarded Tom with keen interest. She had heard Tom narrating their experience one afternoon as he chauffeured her to Thirsk for a charity meeting. Her words held an intriguing note of recognition as she remarked, "That sounds like the experience Mr. Crawley went through when he signed up. The army sent him to officer training school." She fixed her gaze on Tom speculatively, her words hanging in the air with unspoken implications.
Tom was taken aback by Mary's revelation. He couldn't help but wonder whether a similar path might be open to them. However, a shadow of doubt crossed his mind as he recalled the section of their application forms where they had been forced to leave their father's name as "unknown." Uncertainty loomed, and Tom was acutely aware that it was improbable for the brothers to be posted together.
As the days passed, Tom and Thomas lived through a nervous week, diligently performing their duties, and awaiting word on their enlistment. The uncertainty of their future in the army weighed heavily on their minds, and they could only hope that their performance in the exams had demonstrated their worth as translators, opening doors to opportunities they had not yet dared to imagine.
The arrival of the distinctive green envelopes from the Army brought both relief and apprehension to Downton Abbey. Mr. Carson, ever the symbol of order and authority within the household, solemnly handed over the letters to the awaiting brothers. He might not have a personal fondness for Tom and Thomas, but he recognised that they were setting off to serve king and country, a duty that demanded respect.
With shared nervous glances, the brothers took a moment before Thomas carefully broke the seal on his letter. As he quickly scanned the contents, a frown creased his brow, causing Tom to worry. He couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
"They say I have to report for further assessment on the 17th of March," Thomas explained, his tone reflecting a mix of emotions. Tom, looking for optimism, responded, "That sounds good," while Mrs. Patmore, who had been nearby, chimed in with a touch of enthusiasm, "And on St. Patrick's Day too, bound to be auspicious."
Tom agreed with her, offering a reassuring smile. They were determined to find the silver lining in this development.
Encouraged by their support, Thomas urged his younger brother, "Go on then, open yours." He harboured a secret hope that Tom might be selected for an officer's role, a prospect that would offer some comfort in these uncertain times.
Tom's determination mirrored his brother's as he tore into his own letter. However, as he read its contents, his face drained of colour. His muttered words, "No, no, no," conveyed his disbelief and distress.
Thomas was instantly gripped by fear and leaned in closer, whispering, "What is it?" He turned to Mrs. Hughes, who stood nearby, seeking support from the kindly housekeeper.
Tom, with a wild look in his eyes, responded, "The army has rejected me." The announcement struck Thomas like a bolt of lightning, sending shockwaves through his core. "What? Why?" he asked, his voice reflecting the deep concern welling up within him.
"They say I have some sort of heart condition," Tom explained, his words sinking in like a heavy weight in Thomas's chest. A cold, hard pit formed in the depths of his stomach at this unexpected and dire news.
Tom, displaying a mixture of shock and determination, quickly declared, "There must have been a mistake. Yes, a mistake. I will go and see Dr. Clarkson; he will be able to declare me fit." His eyes met Thomas's in a desperate plea for reassurance.
Thomas nodded in agreement, his mind racing. "Yes, you should definitely go and see Dr. Clarkson. I will come with you," he asserted. Turning his attention to Mr. Carson, he made sure to remind the butler of their relationship, subtly implying that turning him down would be a transgression. "Is it acceptable for me to go with my brother to see the doctor?" Thomas asked, with both Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes giving their silent support, their expectant gazes locked onto Mr. Carson.
"Yes, you can accompany your brother, if his lordship says he doesn't need Branson," Mr. Carson replied, a hint of caution in his tone. Thomas had to forcefully restrain himself from issuing an angry retort at the suggestion that his brother might not be allowed to seek medical attention.
"Yes, Mr. Carson," Tom promptly interjected, recognising the need to defuse the situation. He mustered a shaky smile and added, "I am sure that this has been a terrible mistake."
But deep down, Thomas was far from convinced that a mistake had been made. He intended to accompany his brother to ensure that he heard the full extent of Tom's heart condition. His sibling's penchant for bending the truth to achieve his goals was a cause for concern, especially if it meant Tom might attempt to lie in order to secure a place in the army and remain together with his brother.
Thomas and Tom sat in Dr. Clarkson's office, their anxious expressions mirroring their concern for Tom's heart condition. The doctor patiently explained the situation to both brothers, emphasising the seriousness of the matter. Tom, ever determined, couldn't help but voice his plea, his eyes imploring the doctor for a chance.
"But couldn't you write me a letter saying that I can join up if I have light duties or a desk job?" he implored, his voice filled with hope.
Dr. Clarkson's response was sympathetic but firm, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "I commend your desire to serve, but that's not how the army works, I am sorry, Tom, but I can't in good consciousness clear you for service," he explained, his tone carrying the weight of medical expertise.
As Tom's expression turned obstinate, Thomas, seated beside him, couldn't help but silently thank his intuition for accompanying his brother to this appointment. He knew all too well what Tom could be capable of talking others into, especially when he was determined.
Turning his attention to the doctor, Thomas inquired about the most important aspect of the situation, "What should Tom do about his heart?"
Dr. Clarkson, understanding the significance of this question, provided detailed guidance. "It's mainly about avoiding strenuous exercise or any activity that involves heavy lifting or pushing heavy objects. Instead, light exercise daily for around 30 minutes, such as a brisk walk, should suffice. It's essential to avoid alcohol, maintain a diet of good plain food, and refrain from smoking," he explained, his medical advice rooted in the knowledge of the time.
"But don't worry," Dr. Clarkson reassured them, "you can still lead a long life if you follow my instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle."
Thomas, ever the responsible and protective elder brother, asserted, "I will try and get him to follow your orders, Doctor," giving his younger brother a stern yet caring look.
Tom, standing and shaking the doctor's hand, expressed his gratitude, "Yes, thank you, Doctor."
Leaving the doctor's office and the hospital behind, the brothers began their quiet walk back to Downton Abbey. Thomas, ever perceptive, observed the scheming look on Tom's face and couldn't help but smile inwardly. He knew his brother all too well and had a fairly good guess at what Tom was planning. But he also had a few ideas of his own to ensure his brother didn't rush into anything foolish. The bond between them, forged through trials and tribulations, was unbreakable, and Thomas was determined to protect Tom at all costs.
In the quiet and dimly lit study of Downton Abbey, Lord Grantham sat behind his desk, sipping tea that Thomas had just served him. It was during this moment of reprieve that Thomas decided to address a matter of utmost importance.
"May I have a word, my lord?" Thomas asked respectfully, his tone deferential as he stood by the tea tray.
Lord Grantham, a stern yet fair figure, looked up from his paperwork, his demeanour shifting slightly as he regarded Thomas. "Of course, Thomas. What's on your mind?" he inquired.
Thomas took a deep breath before proceeding, his voice steady and composed. "As you have probably heard, my Lord, I have received my orders from the army. I am to report on the 17th of March," he began, his eyes fixed on Lord Grantham.
The mention of Thomas's impending deployment drew Lord Grantham's attention, his brows furrowing with concern. "Indeed, I was aware of your orders," he acknowledged.
Thomas continued, his gaze unwavering. "Unfortunately, my brother Tom was rejected on medical grounds. He has a heart condition," he revealed, watching closely for Lord Grantham's reaction.
The news of Tom's medical condition prompted a look of genuine concern from Lord Grantham. "Is it a severe condition?" he inquired, his caring instincts surfacing.
Thomas nodded solemnly. "Yes, my lord. Dr. Clarkson has made it clear that Tom's condition is serious. He refused to override the army's recommendations and write him a letter to enable his enlistment," he explained.
Lord Grantham, a man who understood the gravity of war, seemed to contemplate the situation. "I see," he murmured.
"My brother is desperate to serve, my lord," Thomas continued, his voice tinged with concern. "I fear he may approach you, knowing your respect for those who join up, and ask you to pull some strings on his behalf."
As Thomas spoke, he allowed a touch of vulnerability to creep into his voice, making sure Lord Grantham could see his inner turmoil. It was a subtle form of manipulation, a skill Thomas had honed over the years. He knew that Tom wasn't the only one capable of swaying the earl's decisions.
Lord Grantham considered the situation carefully, his thoughts reflecting the conflict within him. "I do understand your predicament, Barrow. You have your duties to consider," he admitted.
Thomas seized this moment to strengthen his case. "Exactly. Moreover, what would the army leadership say if Tom were to collapse at a critical moment, and they discovered that you had recommended him?" he posed the question, his tone insistent.
Lord Grantham began to look more thoughtful, realising the potential consequences of his actions. "You do make a valid point. After all, I have my reputation to uphold," he conceded.
A sense of relief washed over Thomas as Lord Grantham seemed to come to a decision. "Yes, yes, you are quite right. Tom shouldn't be in the army with his heart condition," Lord Grantham finally agreed.
Thomas released a pent-up breath and offered a genuine smile. "Thank you, my lord. That puts my mind at ease," he expressed his gratitude.
Lord Grantham, however, added a sombre note. "Ah, I must warn you, I probably won't be able to keep him here at Downton for long," he said, his gaze distant.
Thomas couldn't help but sigh wearily at the prospect. "I know, my lord. Tom will probably try to follow me wherever I end up. But the main thing is that he won't be in the army, and I have some hope of convincing him to leave if the situation becomes perilous," Thomas replied with a sense of resignation. He knew that, despite his best efforts, Tom's determination could prove to be a formidable challenge.
The drawing room of Downton Abbey was a sanctuary of tranquillity when Thomas approached Lady Mary, who sat at a small writing desk, penning letters. No one else was around, which made him feel safe to address her directly.
Clearing his throat politely, Thomas said, "My lady," drawing Lady Mary's attention away from her letters. She looked up at him, her expression carrying a subtle hint of irritation at the intrusion of a footman.
With a respectful nod, Thomas continued, "As you heard at dinner last night, I will be joining the Army soon." He paused momentarily, allowing Lady Mary to process his words before he added, "I have a favour to ask you regarding Tom."
Lady Mary's brow furrowed slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What about Tom?" she inquired, her tone a mix of mild annoyance and genuine interest, before blushing at her slip of using the chauffeurs first name. Her earlier grudge against Thomas for the interruption had apparently faded.
Thomas chose his words carefully as he replied, "Tom was rejected by the Army on medical grounds." He observed Lady Mary's initial reaction—a flicker of relief that briefly graced her features before she averted her gaze, feigning disinterest.
Her voice remained composed as she asked, "What is the favour I can do for you?"
Thomas didn't mince words. "I know you have an unusual friendship with my brother," he began, knowing that this was a delicate topic. Lady Mary's manner grew even colder at the mention of her relationship with Tom, but Thomas pressed on. "Tom admires you greatly for your intelligence and wit. He has also spoken about your practical approach to situations," he continued, seeing Lady Mary soften slightly at the compliment. "I want you to try and persuade Tom out of any crazy schemes he might come up with. He respects you."
Lady Mary's initial reaction was to deflect. "Wouldn't Lady Sybil be the better person for this?" she suggested, attempting to shift the responsibility elsewhere. However, Thomas was cautious about revealing too much about Tom's confidences when it came to the Crawley sisters.
Thomas diplomatically responded, "Tom likes Lady Sybil and thinks she is a kind, sweet girl. I don't think she will have the same effect as you would." He emphasised the word 'girl' to subtly highlight the age difference.
Mary sighed, her reluctance apparent. "I don't know, Thomas. I think you are overestimating my influence on him," she replied honestly. "I don't think I will be able to influence him into anything."
Thomas wasn't expecting miracles; he just needed someone to slow Tom down when his impulsiveness threatened to take over. "It's more about slowing him down and making him think, long enough not to do the first foolish thing that comes into his head. You can tell him that you will worry too much for him if it's a really mad idea," he pleaded.
Mary contemplated this for a moment, her expression revealing her uncertainty. Eventually, she relented with a sigh. "All right, I will try," she agreed, though her confidence in her ability to sway Tom was lacking.
Thomas, however, was grateful for her willingness. He simply nodded and said, "Thank you," before discreetly retreating from the room, hopeful that Lady Mary's influence would help keep his impulsive brother out of harm's way.