It is chaos as the house is transformed into a Convalescence home as everyone is scurrying around to set everything up in time. Emma is currently carrying parts of a bed into the Drawing room, which is to become the Ward, along with Major Clarkson and Sybil.
"Why will we only have officers? Surely all wounded men need to convalesce." Sybil asks as they enter and set up their pieces. There are multiple people inside – Ethel, Anna, Gemma and Mr Branson as well as some soldiers are setting up beds while Lady Edith and Lady Grantham watch and Mrs Crawley dictates.
"The Hospital is for officers, and the whole idea is to have a complimentary convalescent home." Clarkson answers.
"Dare us upset the 'perfect balance'," Emma adds. Clarkson sends her a reprimanding look while out of the corner of her eye she can see Mr Branson smile.
"Of course," Sybil continues before anyone can say anything about Emma's comment, "but I don't know if we can make that an absolute rule."
"If the world were logical, I would rather agree with you." Mrs Crawley says.
"Which comes as no surprise." The Dowager says from the door.
"You would not, I imagine." Mrs Crawley throws back.
"You imagine right. What these men will need is rest and relaxation. Will that be achieved by mixing ranks and putting everyone on edge?" The Dowager exits and Sybil follows her into the Hall.
Lady Edith seems to stand by the door looking a bit lost as everyone else flies in and out of the room.
"Don't loiter, Edith. There's plenty to be done." Mrs Crawley says as she passes her.
"Of course, but I'm not quite what to—"
But Mrs Crawley ignores her. "Sybil, I want to have a quick word with you."
Emma walks over to her about to suggest something to her but she hears Mrs Crawley call her name, pulling her away.
—
Now the beds are set up, many of them begin work ferrying in the sheets and mattresses and making up the beds. Sybil, Emma, Gemma and other nurses and servants go around doing so as the other ladies of the house watch.
"Who'll be in charge?" Her Ladyship questions.
"Cousin Isobel thinks it'll be her." Lady Edith answers.
"All I know is that she'll drive us mad before the end." Lady Mary remarks.
"I'm going up to change." Their mother utters distressed.
"I just want to finish this," Sybil says as her mother and Lady Mary leave the room.
"Aren't you going to the Hospital?" Lady Edith asks her.
"Not yet. We're on a night shift. We'll walk down after dinner." Emma pipes up as she walks past them to the next bed.
"And please don't start lecturing me," Sybil says to her sister.
"I won't. The truth is, I envy you." Lady Edith admits.
"Do you ever miss helping out on the Drakes' farm?" Sybil suddenly asks her.
"That's a funny question." Lady Edith answers defensively. "Why?"
"No reason. It's just, you seemed to have such a purpose there. It suited you." Sybil replies.
"It did suit me. I enjoyed it. But now I feel like a spare part." Lady Edith confesses.
"Trust me, you have a talent that none of the rest of us have." Sybil encourages. "Just find out what it is and use it. It's doing nothing that's the enemy."
Emma decides to throw in some ideas. "You could start by asking what the officers need maybe? Books or something? Help that way."
"Perhaps."
—
Emma hears from Mr Carson that Mr Branson has received a letter informing him that he's been called to go for his medical. This causes her to panic, this means he'll have to go to the front. She rushes to the Garage despite the work that needs to be done. She needs to speak to him. Emma finds him washing the car in his overalls.
"Mr Carson's said you've been called up." She says anxiously.
"There's no need to look so serious." He says casually.
Emma gapes at him in shock. "You'd think me a horrible person if I didn't. I've seen the men come back! I learnt about at school! It is serious!"
"It's all right." He says assuredly. "I'm not going to fight."
"B-but you'll have to!" She exclaims.
"I will not. I'm going to be a conscientious objector." Mr Branson declares.
"They'll put you in prison or worse executed or something else!" Emma tells him.
"I'd rather prison than the Dardanelles." He says not budging.
"When will you tell them?" She reluctantly asks.
"In my own good time." Comes the casual response.
"When though?" Emma demands.
"I'll go to the medical," He explains, "I'll report for duty, and when on parade, I'll march out front and I'll shout it loud and clear. And if that doesn't make the newspapers, then I'm a monkey's uncle."
"But you'll have a record for the rest of your life." She points out.
"At least I'll have a life." He replies.
"But it won't work. Not like you want. There's no point." She argues.
"What do you mean?"
"They'll win more than you do. Your message won't be heard and you will be forgotten." He still doesn't look like he'll change his mind. Emma lets out a huff and storms back to the house.
—
Anna catches her at one point later in the day on the servants' stairs.
"You will not believe who I saw in the Village earlier today." She says to Emma.
"Who?"
"Mr Bates. Or I-I think so anyway." She answers. Emma stares closely at her face but it doesn't seem to give much away.
"But I thought he was in London." Why he was there and who he was with is left unsaid.
"So, did I. I don't know what to do." She admits.
"Hm." Emma thinks for a moment. "Maybe ask Lady Mary?"
"Why?" Anna questions.
"Well cause of Sir Richard. Won't he know lots of people, like have a bunch of connections?" She personally doesn't like the man but that doesn't mean they can't use him once in a while.
"Maybe. I'll will mention it tonight." Anna agrees.
—
Miss O'Brien has been fighting for Lady Grantham to keep control of her house and one way she is doing it is to get Thomas into the management of Downton. She proposes the idea to Thomas about it and he seems quite open to the idea of bossing Mr Carson about. To be honest Emma would've joined them in the discussion if it wasn't for the fact that they were smoking; she tries to limit the number of smokers she's around to try out less risk to her health.
There is continued tensions about the convalescence home. It was been decided that the Library will be turned into a Recreation room with the Small Library closed off for the family. Also, despite Mrs Crawley's push to have the family share their eating quarters, tables will be set up in the Great Hall for the mobile officers and nurses.
Thomas has been raised from corporal to acting sergeant and has been given the reigns of the house management as the person needed to have had medical training. However, it is still unclear who would be in overall charge as Major Clarkson will be busy with the Hospital.
William is coming soon for his last night on his way to active duty in France; Emma dreads seeing him cause she knows that before long he'll be in the trenches.
—
Walking in behind Miss O'Brien and Anna, Emma notices that Ethel, Mr Branson, Mr Lang and Gemma are already in the room.
"Are you still here, Mr Branson?" O'Brien asks. They all stand as Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes enter.
"Why don't you stay and have something to eat." Mr Carson says as they all sit.
"Mr Branson's been telling us the news from Russia," Ethel explains.
"And what news is that?" Mr Carson asks.
"Kerensky's been made Prime Minister, but he won't go far enough for me." Mr Branson tells him. Mrs Patmore and George bring in the food. "Lenin denounces the bourgeoisie along with the tsar. He wants a people's revolution. That's what I'm waiting for. Won't be long now." He glances at Emma questionably and she knows he's trying to find out what happens and if he's correct. She looks down as to not give anything away.
"And what happened to the tsar?" Mr Carson questions as he serves himself a plate.
"Imprisoned in the Alexander Palace with all his family."
"Oh, what a dreadful thing." Mrs Patmore mutters as she dishes out food.
"They won't hurt them. Why would they?" Mr Branson says. Kerensky might not but Emma knows Lenin will. The whole family will be killed after the October revolution though she can't remember an exact date. She says nothing as she knows he'll try and figure out more from her.
"To make an example," Anna suggests.
"Give them some credit." Mr Branson responds. "This is a new dawn, a new age of government. No one wants to start it with the murder of a bunch of young girls."
"You don't know that. Nobody knows who will get killed when these things start." Mr Lang argues. "Look at her nephew. Shot for cowardice." Mrs Patmore, and the rest of them, stare at him in shock. "Who would've guessed that when he was saying hello to the neighbours, or kissing his mother goodnight." Mrs Patmore looks as if she's about to cry.
Daisy rushes in. "Can you look at the crumble? I think it should come out, but it's five minutes earli- than you said." Mrs Patmore rushes out crying.
"I'm sorry. I never thought." Mr Lang apologises.
Mrs Hughes gets up from the table to go after Mrs Patmore. "You should think, Mr Lang. You're not the only member of the walking wounded in this house." She leaves and they are left in tense silence.
—
By the end of the day the first batch of recuperators will arrive so there is the frantic rush around to finalise and set up the last little bits. Emma is walking through the Great Hall when she spots Thomas talking to Mr Carson by the door so Emma walks over to them.
"I'm the manager here now, Mr Carson. Or had you forgotten?" She hears Thomas say.
"No, I have not forgotten." Mr Carson replies tersely. "And will you be moving into your old room, or should we prepare a guest bedroom?" Not brilliant that he's already getting on Mr Carson's nerves.
"I'll sleep in my old room, thanks."
Emma decides to interrupt them as she reaches them. "Well well well, Sergeant Barrow." She beams at him.
He gives her a kinder smile than the one Mr Carson had been getting. "Nurse Byrne. So, are we ready for the big invasion? 'Cause they'll be here at tea time."
"We'll have to be ready, won't we, Thomas?" Mr Carson snips.
"We will, Mr Carson. And it's Sergeant Barrow now." Thomas corrects.
"Acting Sergeant, I believe." Thomas' smirk droops.
"Well, everything's nearly ready anyway," Emma says, drawing their attention. "Other things will be realised as we go along."
—
The time has come for the arrival. Emma stands outside with the nurses as the officers begin to arrive. They begin to unload and they all surge forward to organise their transfer. Emma stands at the back of the vehicle to help the men get off safely.
"Quick as you can, gentlemen. Driver, use that road here and go straight into the Hospital." Major Clarkson calls as everyone helps in guiding the officers inside.
Emma walks into the house and she speaks to a nurse and officer on crutches in the Outer Hall. "Don't worry, we'll see to you." She continues into the house. She sees an officer looking a bit lost, half of his face is covered by bandages and he's leaning on a crutch.
"Can I help you, Sir?" Emma asks him.
He jumps, a little startled at being addressed. "Yes I-I… the nurse I was with had to step away. I was hoping to just sit down really."
She smiles gently at him. "Well, if you follow me, I can take you to the Recreation room." Emma guides him to the Library. "Can I ask your name, Sir?"
"Oh, um yes." He stumbles. "Second Lieutenant Billy Prior, Nurse…"
"Byrne," Emma replies. "Just sit here. Would you like something to read?" She helps him settle in his chair.
"Yes, thank you."
"Lady Edith?" Emma calls to the woman who is gazing around the room. "I'm a bit busy at the moment but could help this gentleman find a book he can read?"
The woman blinks for a moment. "Oh, yes of course."
—
Among the chaos Emma sights Captain Crawley talking to his mother who looks very pleased.
"Well, we start our tour of Yorkshire and Lancashire tomorrow and General Strutt knew you lived up here, so he's given me a few hours off." Captain Crawley replies to a question Mrs Crawley must've asked him.
"What a lovely—" She kisses his cheek. "Lovely surprise." She beams at him.
Emma doesn't want to interrupt but she knows she has to. "Mrs Crawley," Emma calls as she approaches them, "Mrs Hughes is looking for you, she's wondering how they can separate the Hospital's linen from their own?"
"You go. We'll talk later." Captain Crawley says to his mother, who leaves. "It's good to see you, Nurse Byrne."
Emma gives him a smile. "You too Sir." She doesn't want to say he looks well or how he is because that might not have the desired impact. "Welcome to the chaos."
"Yes, it seems that way. But good." He replies.
It feels weird talking to him as they often haven't had the chance to. "Yes. Maybe you should have a look around? No harm in telling your general how amazing Downton is in the war effort." Emma jokes.
He chuckles. "No. No harm at all."
—
She guides Captain Crawley into the converted Ward room. Lady Edith is distributing things to the soldiers, Lady Mary is doing the same but with carafes and Sybil seems to be making beds.
"This is the Ward, Sir," Emma says to him. "Now I have to get on."
"Of course." With that, she walks over to the soldier who has a clipboard and is giving instructions to the patients on where to go so Emma begins helping in getting them to their beds.
"I hadn't cast you as Florence Nightingale." Emma hears Captain Crawley say to Lady Mary.
"We can't leave all the moral high ground to Sybil." She replies. "She might get lonely there. How are you? I-I know I mustn't ask you what you're doing."
Emma feels like she shouldn't be listening in on their conversation but she feels too curious about what it is like between them now that she can't help it.
"You can ask what I'm doing in Downton." He picks up a carafe. "We've finished in the Midlands, and tomorrow we start in the camps in the northern counties."
"Ah. Will we see something of you?" Lady Mary asks carrying an empty tray over to the table in the corner to fill it again. Emma had moved so they are now standing directly in front of her.
"I think my general ought to come here." Captain Crawley answers. "It's exactly the sort of thing people like to read about. Nurse Byrne suggested there's no harm in letting him know how much Downton Abbey is doing for the war."
Mrs Crawley's voice cuts through the noise in the room. "Sybil, come, Edith can do that."
Emma watches them mutter together. She may not talk to Lady Mary often these days but she can see that she still has feelings for her father's heir.
Lady Mary walks away but notices her stare. "Oh, don't you start." She speaks. Emma frowns at her confused. What is going on there?
—
Mrs Crawley is trying to be the one in overall charge. She is already trying to arrange the household duties where they overlap with those of the nursing staff. Emma respected her at the Hospital but the way she's ordering around the family around their own home and generally assuming she knows everything and is superior in managing is getting on Emma's nerves.
Emma is pushing one of the wheelchairs towards the house when she spots Mr Branson shining the car in front.
"Would you just take this into the Hall for me?" She asks the nurse next to her.
"Yes, of course." The nurse goes inside and Emma goes to Mr Branson.
"Are you waiting for someone? Do you want me to go and find them for you?" She asks, hoping to get something from him.
"They turned me down. The army." He says instead, walking around the car to the other side.
"Why?" Emma questions though she's somewhat relieved to hear this.
"Apparently I have a heart murmur. Or, to be more precise..." He picks up a letter on the car seat. "A mitral valve prolapse is causing a pansystolic murmur."
"I don't what that means. Is it dangerous?" She asks.
"Only if you're planning to humiliate the British army." Mr Branson chucks the letter back to where it was. "I suppose you're glad."
"You're not going to be killed and you're not going to prison, of course I'm glad!" Emma exclaims.
"Don't count your chickens. If I don't get them one way, I'll get them another." He declares.
"Why do you have to be so angry all the time?" She says frustrated. "I know things aren't exactly great in Ireland—"
He glared and cuts her off as he walks over to stand in front of her. "Aren't exactly great? Aren't exactly great? I lost a cousin in the Easter Rising last year. And you told me didn't tell it was coming!"
"I forgot!" Emma cries. She had admittedly had but also, she's been afraid to tell him too much about the conflict. How would he feel if she told him that there is still ongoing conflict even by the end of the century? Wouldn't it make everything he is doing feel pointless?
"You forgot!"
"Yes! I don't have all the information in my head, it's not like I had time to prepare myself before I arrived!" She almost shouts at him but she tries to control herself as they're in public. "Plus, I don't know much anyway as shockingly they don't teach us about it in English schools. Trust me, I'm annoyed myself!"
"Well, it doesn't matter because he was walking down North King's Street one day and an English soldier saw him and shot him dead." He says through clenched teeth. "When they asked why he was killed, the officer said, "Because he was probably a rebel." So don't say things aren't exactly great in Ireland."
Emma opens her mouth to speak but Lord Grantham appears interrupting her. "Sorry to keep you waiting, but we're going to have to step on it." Mr Branson opens the door for him, a furious expression still on his face. He glares at Emma as he gets in the car and takes off.
—
"I'd met quite an interesting officer the other day," Sybil tells Emma as they walk down for a shift at the Hospital. The argument Emma had with Mr Branson had happened some weeks ago now. There had been a mild apology between them but not much else has happened. She takes Sybil's unintentionally offered distraction.
"Oh?" Emma raises an eyebrow. "Interesting in what way?"
She blushes. "Not like that!"
Emma frowns in feigned confusion. "Like what?"
Sybil lets out a huff but Emma knows she isn't really that mad at her. "Anyway, his name is Lieutenant Billy Prior."
"Oh, I think I met him the first day. You know, when all the chaos began." Emma faintly recalls.
"Well, he suffers from a mild case of mutism and asthma," Sybil explains. "I feel sorry for him as it is not helped by the other officers treat him so snobbishly."
"Why?" Emma asks.
"They call him a 'temporary gentleman' because of his lower rank birth but raised position in the army," Sybil explains. Emma remembers reading about these men. "So, they snub him because of it."
"How terrible," Emma mutters. "They do realise there are worst things worry about right now other than people's social backgrounds?"
"I agree."
There's a moment of silence. "So do you talk often?" Emma says with a smirk.
"Uh now and again," Sybil mumbles with a blush. "He's quite nice I think."
"Really now?"
Sybil laughs. "Stop it." She gives Emma a light shove.
—
Emma finds Sybil often talking with this Lieutenant Billy Prior though she confesses that she doesn't know what is going on between them at the moment as she worries about her parents' disapproval due to his closer societal ranking. Emma can see she quite likes him.
Lady Edith has grown into her element. Emma sees this as she helps Captain Ames work on his walking on the apparatus, which is a slope with railings on either side one day.
Lady Edith has worked out her role of looking after the general needs of the officers. She hands Lieutenant Shirley a book and picks up a large pile. "I'm not sure about Marriott."
"Oh, not to worry." He answers.
"I know we've got lots of G.A. Henty." Lady Edith offers.
"Thank you very much." The Lieutenant replies. Lady Edith walks past Ames and Emma.
"And I haven't forgotten about your tobacco, Captain Ames, just as soon as I can get into the Village." Captain Ames nods his thanks and Emma gives her a proud smile.
There is soon confirmation that Captain Crawley's general is coming to see Downton as a Convalescence home. Emma knows that Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham will fight tooth and nail to be the one on top and be given the position of overall command.
—
Anna had learnt from Lady Mary that Mr Bates has returned nearby and now works in The Red Lion in Kirkbymoorside, which Emma found very weird but Anna had gone to visit him the day before the arrival of the general and it turns out that he's trying to divorce his wife. He had found out that Mrs Bates had been unfaithful so is using that to get the divorce as well as the fact that he's had to leave the house to prove a broken marriage. It is good to know that he hadn't truly left Anna hanging and is working on them being together legally.
Gemma also tells her that Mr Branson has offered to be a footman for the luncheon they're giving for the general's visit. This made Emma highly suspicious. Why would Mr Branson want to serve as a member of the British army? The very army that murdered his cousin?
That night Gemma and Emma are awoken by someone yelling.
"What?" Emma murmurs drowsily. "What's that noise?"
"I don't know but there's no way I'm going back to sleep while it's happening." Gemma mumbles in reply. They step out of their room to see that the others in the women's section had been woken up as well.
"What is it?" Anna asks.
"I don't know. I can hear shouting." Mrs Hughes replies
"It sounds like it's coming from the men's section," Emma tells them. Mrs Hughes pulls out her keys to open the door to said section.
"We need to find out." Mrs Hughes says as Emma hears Thomas say, "It's Mr Lang."
"What in heaven's name is happening?" Mrs Hughes asks as everyone follows Mr Carson to Mr Lang's room.
"No! No, I can't do it!" Mr Lang cries. Mr Carson turns on the light and they filter in. Emma can see Mr Lang is thrashing around in his bed.
"Mr Lang?" Mr Carson calls.
Mr Lang doesn't hear him. "I can't do it!"
Mr Carson shakes Mr Lang awake. "You're having a bad dream, Mr Lang! You're having a bad dream, Mr Lang!"
Mr Lang clings to his arms, which pulls him up. "They're soldiers, Mr Carson! I see soldiers, but I can't!" Miss O'Brien goes to Lang's side. "I can't go back no matter what!"
"No one's asking you to go back, Mr Lang." Mr Carson replies.
"No, just to put a sock in it," Thomas says snidely. Emma thwacks him on the arm.
"Don't worry, Mr Lang, you've had a bad dream, that's all." Miss O'Brien reassures. These two have gained some sort of connection without Emma noticing.
Mr Lang looks at Miss O'Brien. "Is it a dream?" O'Brien nods and Mr Lang begins to sob.
"Thank God." Mr Carson nods to the rest of them and they leave. Emma glances back at him as they leave. "Oh, thank God. Thank God."
—
The entire household lines up outside to welcome the general. Instead of being on the side of the servants, Emma stands on the other side of the door among the other nurses with the three daughters of the house and Miss Swire on her left.
The car drives by and the soldiers solute. The general's party gets out and salutes the family.
"My cousin, Lord Grantham." Captain Crawley introduces.
"This is very kind of you, Lord Grantham." General Strutt says.
"Welcome." His Lordship replies saluting.
"Lady Grantham. And this is Major Clarkson who runs our Hospital here." Captain Crawley continues. Lord Grantham turns to greet the other members of the general's party.
Mrs Crawley steps forward to introduce herself. "And I am Captain Crawley's mother. And will accompany you on your tour and explain the different levels of care we practice here."
"Lady Grantham and Mrs Crawley will both accompany us as we go around, sir." Major Clarkson explains.
"Makes a nice change from the craggy-faced warriors I'm usually surrounded by," Strutt remarks.
"I'd like to think that were true. Please, come this way." Her Ladyship leads him to the door and Mrs Crawley quickly joins them.
"There's a large Recreation room..." Mrs Crawley begins to say.
"I don't believe you've ever been to Downton before." Lady Grantham interrupts.
Captain Crawley turns to Lady Mary and they have a brief conversation before Strutt calls him away. Emma watches them intently.
Sybil and Lady Edith join the queue after Thomas and Clarkson. Emma watches Thomas with Clarkson suspiciously. Has Miss O'Brien gotten him to help with making sure that Lady Grantham comes on top with the running of Downton?
Lady Mary and Miss Swire linger with Lady Rosamund who gives Lady Mary a significant look, then smiles at Miss Swire before heading into the house. The nurses follow her but Emma looks back at Lady Mary to see that she is uncomfortable. What was that all about?
—
Emma does not need to go around with the general, only be there to greet him, so she goes off on her rounds for the officers. She is glad she has this to distract from the fact that William, who had come to visit, would be heading off to the front tomorrow.
Emma is in the Ward talking with Lord Grantham and Lieutenant Shirley as Captain Crawley explains the room to the general and as the general looks around.
"And are you being cared for well?" His Lordship asks.
"Yes, My Lord." The Lieutenant answers. "Nurse Byrne here has been incredibly helpful."
"Well, it is handy when they're being receptive to the help." She remarks.
"Quite." Lord Grantham says.
"This is all very impressive, Lady Grantham." Emma hears Strutt say. "The nurses and your own staff are to be congratulated."
"I believe they are." Her Ladyship replies.
—
Emma pops downstairs for a quick drink of water before going back up when Anna goes running past the Kitchen and into Mrs Hughes' Sitting room.
Emma goes to the room and hears Anna ask, "Where's Mr Branson?"
"He's just taken up the soup, why?" Mrs Hughes replies.
Anna shows Mrs Hughes the note. "I found this in Emma and Gemma's room. Read it."
Was the letter for Emma? She watches from the door curious about what it says.
""They'll have arrested me by now, but I'm not sorry. The bastard had it coming to him"?" Mrs Hughes's jaw drops. "Oh!"
"What?!" Emma exclaims, drawing their attention. He wouldn't. Would he? "We need to stop him."
The three of them run to Mr Carson who's in the Antechamber blocked off from the Dining room by a divider.
"What in God's name?" He whispers.
"Read this! Where is he now?" Mrs Hughes whisper demands.
Mr Carson reads it. "Oh, my God."
Emma watches from behind the divider as Mr Carson and Anna cross the room to him just as Mr Branson is about to pull the lid off of the soup. Mr Carson clamps his hand down over Mr Branson's, so he can't open it.
Mr Branson struggles for a minute, then looks behind him to where she's standing. They stare at each other for a moment and he eventually lets Mr Carson escort him out. Anna follows them with the soup tray.
Emma has gotten back down to the Kitchen when Mr Carson drags him downstairs.
"All right! All right! There's no need to be so rough!" Mr Branson yells.
Mr Carson shoves him into the Kitchen. "There's every need! To stop a murder!"
"Murder? What do you mean "murder"?" Mr Branson exclaims in anger.
"You were going to assassinate the general!" Anna accuses.
Mr Branson looks at them in disbelief. "Kill the general?! I was not!" Emma looks down ashamed that she'd thought he would for a moment.
Anna lifts the lid on the soup and they all gag.
"I was going to throw that lot all over him." Mr Branson explains.
"What is it?" Emma asks him through a grimace.
"Oil and ink and a bit of a cow pie, all mixed with sour milk. He'd have needed a bath, right enough, but not a coffin!" Mrs Patmore turns her head away as she pours it down the sink.
"I thought you'd taken the soup up, but you left it in the Pantry." Daisy realises.
Mrs Hughes grabs a copper pot from the shelf. "We'll use this. It's not been heated, but the hell with that! And we'll decide what happens to you later."
"Never mind later, what about now? How do we keep this dinner going?" Mr Carson demands.
"I'll serve, Mr Carson." Emma turns to see William dressed up in his uniform. "I don't mind. Who knows when I'll have the chance again?"
—
"Where is Mr Branson?" Ethel asks as they settle down to eat. Although the nurses had their set times for eating and in the Great Hall, Emma prefers eating with the lot downstairs.
"Mr Carson sent him back to his cottage to stew in his own juice," Gemma replies.
"Will we see you in the morning, William? To wish you luck?" Anna asks him as he enters and stands by Daisy.
"Oh, yes. But I've got something I'd like to say now." William takes Daisy's hand. "If you don't mind."
"Don't, not yet," Daisy says.
"They must know sooner or later. Daisy and I are going to be married." William announces. Emma gapes in surprise; she wouldn't have expected Daisy to want to marry him.
"You never are! When?!" Ethel exclaims gleefully.
"After the war." Daisy answers
"I'm not sure I can wait that long," William says.
Emma notices Daisy looking worriedly at Mrs Patmore. What's going on there?
—
One success of the day, though it depends on who you ask, Major Clarkson assigned Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham to share the responsibility of running Downton when Clarkson isn't here.
What has become clear is that Mr Lang is struggling too much with the visit and the house becoming a Convalescence home. It seems he'll be leaving.
What makes Emma particularly pleased is that Lady Edith received full praise for her work on dealing with the patients' daily care and needs so efficiently.
—
A/N: Billy Prior is roughly supposed to be Billy Prior from Pat Barker's Regeneration Trilogy of novels set during World War I. What is done with the character is mostly my own stuff and not much from the actual books.