Hello to all of my fellow readers and welcome back.
Here as promised, the first chapter of Emma Crawley Downton Abbey Season 2.
Enjoy!
Two Years later...
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September 1916. Life was different. It was like nothing Emma had ever seen. One by one, the young men in her life had slipped away by something horrid. Emma couldn't almost remember her friends' faces and their laughter and their smiles anymore. It was like a passing memory from another lifetime. Emma found that her world had changed instantly since that Garden Party.
The world was thrown into the unknown chaos ever seen.
Emma didn't know what to do. She feared going to London, and for the two years, Emma never set foot in London, actually, never left Yorkshire. She reserved herself to Downton. She barely smiled, she was no longer the naïve woman who loved dresses, novels, going to London, drawing and painting.
Emma remembered crying every night in secret after everyone has gone to bed. Every night she held a photo close to her chest and held it there until morning.
The picture was her former lover, James Montgomery, the photo was taken at his opening of his store before Emma even set foot at the fashion store. Every time Emma pass there, she had gotten goose-pimples and felt like it was lost dream, although the shiver was a reminder that he was real. The Golden Stitching store was closed and boarded up, until a few months ago it was turned into a general store by a local merchant.
Emma felt like James was something from another life, she didn't remember his voice, or his bright smile, the exact shade colour of his eyes. The photograph that Emma had wasn't even enough to remember the real James as he lived and breathed...
Emma even felt more lost without her maid, Jane, who had resigned her post as maid and went to become a nurse to aid in the war in 1915. Emma was heartbroken that her close friend was leaving her, although she conjured a brave face and supported her decision and wished her luck on her last day of service.
Emma started her day by going down the stairs on her own to the Breakfast Room, where her mother, father and younger sister, Sybil, sat to have breakfast, and Emma helped herself to some eggs and buttered toast and she sat down next to her father.
'Good morning, papa,' Emma said.
'Good morning, my darling,' said Robert casually.
Cora smiled at her daughter.
Sybil didn't say anything, although she was rather pale and looking down at a letter she was reading.
Robert opened his envelope with a paper knife and gasped.
'I don't believe it.'
Cora and Emma glanced at Robert and Cora said, 'Please say it's something nice.'
Robert grinned, 'General Robertson's invited me to be Colonel of the North Riding Volunteers. Well, this is the best bit. It may please you to know that the idea was given to me by General Hague. Well, if Hague's involved, it means I'm back in the army properly.'
Cora frowned at her husband and said, 'How can that be? You were told you weren't wanted for active service. You can't jump in the army like a jack-in-the-box.'
Emma turned to her sister who was very quiet, her face showed she was clearly upset. Emma was about to speak up when her father beat her to it.
'I don't see why not. Churchill went back to the front after the Gilly business. If he can do it, why shouldn't I?'
'Sybil, are you all right?' Emma asked.
Robert and Cora turned to their youngest daughter, a look of concern now on display.
'Sybil, darling.'
Sybil's lip trembled and she nodded and stood up.
'Will you excuse me? I think I'll just...'
Sybil left the room as Carson opened the door for her.
'She's had more bad news,' Cora said sympathetically.
'I'll talk to her after breakfast,' Robert said, 'give her time to collect herself.'
Emma shook her head, 'No, I'll see her. You got things to do, Papa.'
Later that Morning, Emma went down to the garage where Branson was fixing the motor with a spanner.
'Morning, Branson.'
Branson turned to see Emma.
'Oh, Good Morning, my lady... are you ready?'
Emma nodded, 'Is Edith here?'
Branson nodded politely, 'She is just there.'
Edith came around the car and smiled in excitement.
'Emma, about time you're here,' Edith said.
'I know, I'm sorry I'm late...' Emma sighed, 'just that things are happening in the house, anyway, let's go.'
For about a year, Edith and Emma had been secretly learning to drive with the guide and instructions from Branson. Since the war, Emma had been feeling hopeless and she wanted something to do, so Edith suggested learning to drive, it was very unwomanlike, although Edith explained to her that all the able men would be called up and what would happen, Emma thought it was a good skill to learn.
Emma sat in the back seat as Edith wanted to drive into Ripon and they agreed that Emma would drive on the way back home. Emma was glad to have a patient teacher such as Branson. They had formed an unlikely friendship which wasn't entirely proper by modern standards. Emma was fond of Branson, she had respected his values and beliefs and tried not to say anything against him.
'You're doing well, Edith,' Emma praised her.
'I do think I'm getting better, don't you?' Edith asked Branson.
'Up to a point, my lady. If you could just get the clutch right down to the floor.'
'But I am.'
'Not quite, my lady.'
'It doesn't seem to want to go,' Edith said frustratedly.
'I think it wants to if you ask it properly,' Emma joked.
'I still think I'm a better driver than you,' Edith quipped lightly.
'That's better. You'll be putting me out of a job.'
'I hope not,' said Emma, 'Who would I talk to about driving?'
'Won't the call up put you all out of your jobs?' Edith said.
'I'll cross that bridge when I come to it,' Branson said frostily.
Meanwhile in the House, Violet and Isobel went to visit and look up upon the Hospital Charity. Isobel had pressing matters she had wanted to discuss with Cora and Robert, and of course, Violet tagged along to the Library.
'Well, we thought we'd come in here for a little talk,' Isobel said to Violet.
'Oh. Well, I'm sure we won't be disturbed.' Violet said then turned away.
Robert rolled his eyes, then motions Isobel to the couch.
Robert gestured for Isobel to sit, 'Please.'
Isobel sat down.
'Well, the thing is...I've had a letter from Matthew and I had one today, from James. Of course, he doesn't tell me what he's actually doing.
'No, he wouldn't,' said Robert, 'But I'm glad he's all right. I miss them both.'
'Well, that's the point,' said Isobel, 'You must know Matthew has been down here a few times since the war started.'
'We had heard,' said Cora.
'Downton is hardly a metropolis,' said Violet, sitting down on an armchair.
'Is he still determined to go back to Manchester when it's all over?'
'He doesn't talk much about life after the war, none of them do,' said Isobel, 'I suppose they don't want to tempt fate. Until now, that is. He writes that he's engaged to be married to a Miss Lavinia Swire.'
Everyone had looks of disbelief and shock by the news.
Cora sat down.
Well, I-- I suppose we all knew it would happen one day,' said Violet shakily.
'Do you know her?'
'Not yet. Apparently, they met when he was in England last time. It all seems rather hurried.'
'And what of James?' Robert asked, thinking of Emma.
'James had been going up to London with every opportunity he could get. He had written to me saying that he was seeing a woman last year and now he is recently engaged to a Lady Grace Huntington of Bedford, a daughter of a baron.'
'What!' Cora gasped.
Isobel sighed and said, 'I know. He had written that they had fallen in love and they hope to be married soon.'
'You can't blame them for wanting to live in the present.'
Robert turned around, as he tried to process this latest blow...
'Anyway, he's been in London on leave, and now he's bringing her here to meet me,' said Isobel, regarding Matthew, 'As well as James. Matthew and James hadn't seen each other for months, and they'll be here tonight and tomorrow, then he leaves on Thursday while she stays for a bit.'
'So, will you miss the concert?' Cora said in a defeated tone.
'Well, that's up to you. We'd all hoped that he and Mary would sort things out between them, but if that's not to be, then shouldn't we try to get back to normal? Even if he's not keen to live in the village. He's still the heir. And you're still his family.'
Robert agreed and said, 'I quite agree. We can't know if Matthew and James will come through it. Either way, I would like to see him, and I want to wish him luck.'
Isobel smiled.
Cora turned to Robert and said, 'The trouble is Mary's back from London today as well. She gets in at five o'clock.'
'Matthew's driving in Lavinia's car. James is be taking the early train to London to meet Miss Huntington and drive up here. They won't meet on the train.'
Violet sighed and said, 'Oh, that's a relief.'
Robert turned to stare at his mother.
'I hate Greek drama. You know, when everything happens off stage.'
Isobel narrowed her eyes at Violet.
Cora protested, 'But shall we tell Emma and Mary not to come? We might still catch her.'
'Isobel's right. We must use these engagements as a new beginning. You bring our Lieutenant Crawley and Major Montgomery to the concert and stay for dinner afterwards.'
Isobel smiled, 'I was hoping you'd say that.'
Cora still looked disturbed.
Emma was coming down the stairs and she saw Isobel and Sybil talking in low voice and Sybil's face was so sad, tears about to pour from her eyes. She went over to them and have Isobel a wavering smile.
'What happened, Sybil? please tell me,' said Emma.
Sybil was quiet for a moment and said in a broken tone, '
'Tom Belasis has been killed.'
Emma gasped and she went over to Sybil and gave her a comforting hug.
'What a terrible thing,' Isobel murmured.
Sybil had let go of her sister's embrace and said, 'I remember him at Imogen's ball. He made me laugh out loud just as her uncle was giving a speech. Sometimes it feels as if all the men I ever danced with are dead.
Isobel gave Sybil a comforting kiss.
'I just feel so useless,' Sybil cried, 'Wasting my life while they sacrifice theirs.'
'You've been a tremendous help with the concert,' Emma said weakly, patting her shoulder.
'No, I d-- I don't mean selling programs or finding prizes for the Tombola,' Sybil said to Emma then she turned to Isobel, 'I want to do a real job. Real work.'
Emma smiled a little at her daring sister.
Isobel Crawley peaked up, her eyes brightened as she said, 'Well, if you are serious, what about an auxiliary nurse? There's a training college in York. I know I could get you onto a course. It may be something of a rough awakening. Are you ready for that? I mean, have you ever made your own bed, for example, or scrubbed a floor?'
Isobel's eyes drew somewhere else as she said, 'O'Brien, what is it?'
O'Brien stepped forward and said, 'Mr Platt is taking Her Ladyship and Lady Grantham down to the village, she wondered if you'd like to go with them.'
'That's very kind,' said Isobel, 'Thank you.'
'What would she need?' Emma asked Isobel, when O'Brien was out of earshot, 'Wouldn't she need basic skills?'
'Well, if you're serious, what about cooking? Why don't you ask Mrs Patmore if she could give you one or two basic tips?'
Sybil nods and started to smile at Emma.
'Reminds me of our childhood,' said Emma, smiling wistfully at her childhood memory. She remembered her and Sybil used to love going down to the kitchens and asking for sweet treats.
'When you get to York, it might be useful to know a little more than nothing.'
Isobel smiled and strokes Sybil's chin affectionately.
Sybil smiled back.
Later that Night, Cora, Sybil, Edith, Anna and Emma, including Mary, who was in London for a few days, were gathered in Emma's bedroom whilst getting dressed for the concert and dinner. Everyone was ready except for Emma, was finalising her look. Anna was finishing adding touches to Emma's hair whilst Sybil sat on her bed and Cora and Edith were sitting on the chairs and Mary was fixing her gloves.
'Are you glad to be back? Sybil asked Mary.
'I'm never sure. When I'm in London, I long for Yorkshire, and when I'm here, I ache to hear my heels clicking on the pavement. I'd forgotten about this nightmare concert. Why didn't you warn me? I'd have come back tomorrow.'
Edith gloated, 'But you'd have missed Matthew.'
Mary froze in surprise.
'Matthew is coming?' Emma asked her mother.
'Yes,' said Cora, 'and so is James.'
Emma's heart had quickly raced and she her hand had started to tremble, she stopped in place to wait for her trembling hands to stop.
'I was going to tell you,' Cora said softly, 'James and Matthew's on leave and he's in the village, so Papa and I thought it would be a good time to mend our fences. He's coming tonight with Isobel.
'And his fiancée.' Edith gloated.
'What?'
'Fiancée? Who is engaged? James or Matthew?' Emma asked, not meeting anyone's eyes.
'Both,' Edith said.
Emma felt like someone had thrust cold water over her body.
'Edith. I don't know how helpful you're being.'
'James and Matthew are engaged,' Sybil explained, 'He's brought her to Downton to meet his mother.
Mary listened in continued surprise.
'Well, how marvellous,' Mary said in enthusiasm.
Sybil was surprised, 'You don't mind?'
'Why should I? We're not going to marry, but I don't want him to spend the rest of his life in a cave.'
'Exactly what Papa and I feel. Please try to be happy for him.'
'Of course, I'm happy!' Mary smiled, 'Good luck to him.'
'Emma?' Edith asked gently.
Emma swallowed and she glanced at her sister, 'What? Do you expect me to blubber and cry? I'm fine. In fact, I am truly happy he moved on with his life.'
'Really?' Sybil asked, doubt in her tone and she narrowed her eyes at Emma.
'Honestly,' Emma chuckled, 'With everything that is going on, I am happy he is happy... I didn't want him to be alone forever.'
'And what about you, is there someone?' Mary asked.
'Well, there is no one at the moment,' Emma stated, fixing her earrings, 'Nearly all the men I know are in service, or about to be called up.'
Mary nodded and said stiffly, 'Good for you to be happy for him. He was a grubby jumped up Tailor.'
Emma swallowed down her hurt.
'Anyway, there's someone I want you all to meet. Have you ever come across Richard Carlisle?'
'Sir Richard Carlisle?' Edith frowned, 'The one with all those horrid newspapers?'
'We met at Clifton,' Mary said plainly.
Edith scoffed, 'But how old is he?'
'Old enough not to ask stupid questions,' Mary snapped, 'Anyway, I can't wait for you to know him. If only Papa hadn't closed down the shoot.'
'Most people have stopped shooting now that the war's on. But I'm sure Papa will be happy to have Sir Richard come and stay.'
Cora and Sybil rose to leave.
'Are you?' Edith asked doubtfully, 'I shouldn't have thought he was Papa's type at all.'
'You coming?' Cora asked Emma and Mary.
'One moment,' said Emma, fiddling with her bracelet.
Mary left the room and it was only Anna and Emma.
'Are you all right, milady?'
Emma's eyes sparkled with tears, 'Oh Anna...what has happened?'
Emma cried and she felt Anna's warm comforting hand on her shoulder.
Emma was waiting in the hall along with her family to see the long-lost loved friends and family. Mary was waiting endlessly for Matthew's arrival as well was Emma waiting, sitting next to Violet as the concert was about to begin. She watched as Matthew, Isobel and a fair looking young woman arrive at the hall. Emma could describe her as lovely and pixie like. She had auburn hair curled into a soft bun, green-blue eyes, pale skin and thin with a delicate pointed nose and thin lips.
Just as she had finish observe Miss Swire, she saw James wearing an army uniform and on his arm was a woman who was absolutely striking that Emma's heart fell.
The woman was pale as Mary with bright green eyes and black hair in a bun with diamond earrings and fair red lips, Emma found it hard to describe it was natural or if she had painted her lips red. She was wearing a dark purple frock, embellished with tiny diamonds.
James and Emma caught each other's eye and Emma smiled as bravely as she could, but all she wanted to do was cry again when she saw Miss Huntington gripped James's arm and smiled as she talked to Robert.
Emma stood up and she went over to pass kind words with Isobel and she introduced herself to Miss Huntington.
'Hello, Lady Huntington, It's nice to meet you, I'm Emma Crawley.'
Grace smiled at Emma and shook hands with her. 'Oh, it's nice to finally meet you, James talked about you in London.'
Emma's eyebrow rose, 'Oh, good things, I hope?'
'Of course, what else would I say?' James said.
Emma's eyes went over to him and everything came back. Everything she remembered about him, although she could see there was a thin scar over his left eyebrow.
'It's good to see you looking well,' Emma said softly.
James smiled and said, 'I'm glad to see you again. How have you been?'
Emma smiled, 'Well.'
Emma turned to introduce herself to Lavinia who turned out to be really sweet.
'Hello, Miss Swire, I'm Emma Crawley.'
'Oh,' said Lavinia, 'It's so nice to meet you, Matthew spoke of you highly.'
Emma was glad that her father showed Lavinia and Grace their seats. Mary and Matthew talked quietly and Emma went back to James.
'It's been a long time...' Emma said, 'Do you miss being here?'
James stared at her and said, 'Yes... but life is different now.'
Emma nodded, 'I heard you were engaged to be married.'
Emma voice nearly broke and James looked concerned.
'I-I hope it's all right? I wanted to bring Grace to meet Mrs. Crawley and Matthew...'
Emma smiled widely and said, 'I am happy to see you again.'
'James, the band is about to start,' Grace said aloud.
James smiled adoringly at her and said, 'Coming, dear.'
The band started to play and Emma gave a waning smile to James and she went back to her seat and sat down.
'How did it go? Meeting your replacement?' Violet asked Emma.
Emma swallowed, 'Well. She is very beautiful and charming.'
'Hmph,' Violet said. 'Beauty fades away as quick as yesterday's news.'
Emma didn't retort, instead she felt eyes on her and turned to see Grace looking at her. Emma gave a quick beam and Grace turned back to face the band. Emma's heart was starting to crack as she saw James whispered in Grace's ear.
Emma watched as the band's tune mellowed down and she heard a woman's voice spat, 'A white feather, of course, Coward.'
Emma turned to see two women handing out white feathers and Emma saw William's broken-hearted face as he held out the feather.
'Oh my god!' Emma gasped.
'Stop this at once!' Robert shouted.
William stood up and the band stopped playing. Emma watched in concern as William's face crumpled in shame, twisting the feather he had in his hands.
'This is neither the time nor the place!'
The woman on the left remarked, 'These people should be aware that there are cowards among them.'
'Will you please leave?' Robert countered back, 'You are the cowards here, not they!'
Mr Bates also stood up with an angry expression and the two women left the hall.
Robert nodded to William. William nodded back and sat down.
'Leader, will you continue?'
Emma was relieved not to be sitting near Grace. Everyone was still shaken up about the white feather business earlier. The atmosphere of the room was rather cold.
'That was horrid, William. I hope you won't let it upset you,' said Cora as she helped herself.
'No, Your Ladyship,' said William.
'Why are these women so unkind?' Robert asked sternly.
Edith couldn't hold it in any longer.
'Of course, it is horrid, but when heroes are giving their lives every day, it's hard to watch healthy young men do nothing.'
Emma frowned at her sister, she instantly thought of William and they shared a glance, William glanced down uncomfortably.
Isobel talks down the table to Sybil.
'By the way, Sybil, very good news. They do have a vacancy. It's very short notice, because someone dropped out.'
Sybil smiled.
'You'd have to be ready to start on Friday.'
'May I ask what this is about?' Robert asked Sybil.
'Cousin Isobel has got me a place on a nursing course in York.'
Everyone looked at Sybil.
'I want to work at the hospital.'
'We don't have to talk about it now,' Cora said, then she glared at Isobel, who smiled awkwardly.
'Branson says Emma and I are ready for the road,' Edith said to Robert.
'That's not what he told me,' Robert murmured.
Mr Carson served Lavinia.
'Oh, how delicious, I love these.'
Robert asked Lavinia, 'How did you and Matthew meet?
'Oh, in London. My father works in London, so I've always lived there. But I love the country, too.'
'Of course you do,' said Violet.
'Daddy's a solicitor,' said Lavinia, 'like Matthew.'
'My, my. You're very well-placed if you're ever in trouble with the law.'
Emma almost sniggered.
'And what about you, Lady Huntington? How did you and James meet?' Cora asked the Baroness.
Grace smiled, 'We met in London last year, whilst James was doing the last paperwork of his shop, we met at a club.'
'A club?' said Violet, her eyebrows rose in suspicion.
'Oh yes, a gentleman's club, I was leaving the club with my father, you know him, Lord Huntington, when I stumbled into James. Since then we've talked, corresponded letters and such.'
'My, your father must be anxious of you to be married,' said Violet.
'Oh, no, it was my decision,' said Grace, before taking a sip of wine.
'We don't know how long this will go on,' said James, 'so I discussed with Grace where and when we could get married, we hope to around maybe next year, hopefully things would lay down. Right now, Grace's brother is in France and Lord Huntington is still in London.'
'Well, I'm glad you're here,' said Robert, 'both of you.'
'Hear, hear,' said Isobel.
'Did I tell you I've been given a colonelcy in the North Riding Volunteers? So, I'm properly in the army again.'
'Mm. Congratulations.' Matthew said.
James turned to Emma and asked, 'He's not really going, is he?'
'I pray not,' said Emma. 'He desperately wants to go back. I think he wants to relive those moments where he could do something. What was it like? The war?'
James gave a worn look, his eyes uncertain. 'Emma, I can't talk about. No matter how much I would want to...but not right now.'
Emma nodded, 'Of course...I think everyone missed you.'
Emma thought, I missed you.
James chuckled, which made Emma laugh softly, 'I miss everyone... I miss your Grandmother's antics with Mrs. Crawley, I miss your mother's dinner parties, I miss seeing Sybil admiring the fabric I bought into the store, I miss hearing Edith's opinions about style, and I miss your friendship.'
Emma's eyes itched and she snapped her attention away, tempted not to look at Grace.
'I hope Grace was nice to you.' James said courteously.
Emma smiled, 'She was, although a little nervous, but so were you.'
James beamed, 'I remember.'
'There you are, you're both even in nervousness.' Emma shrugged.
'How about you? Have you found someone?' James asked.
Emma's smile dropped, 'No...although the war takes away all the healthy men, there's no one left.'
Emma felt instantly jealous, she wanted James to be happy and she was honest when she said she was happy for him, although she wished she was the one who made him happy. She cursed herself that she wished instantly she had said yes to his proposal. Grace was beautiful, although Emma didn't like eyes watching her like a hawk, hopefully it would die down.
After dinner, the women went into the Drawing Room. William was serving coffee in small printed cups and Emma sat on the couch with Grace.
'James said he wishes to live here, although I tried to persuade him to move to London, he doesn't feel like London is a place to raise a family, not with the war going on. I barely go to the country side, although only on shooting seasons with father.'
'Well, it seems like Emma could be helpful around here for once, don't you think so, Emma?' said Mary.
Emma frowned a little at Mary. She tried to ignore Mary since that snide remark she made about James.
'Of course, I would like to help.' Emma said kindly.
The door opened and Ethel the housemaid rushed in. Everyone looked up to see the maid standing in front of Cora.
'Beg pardon, milady, for keeping you waiting.'
'What?' said Cora in disbelief.
'I'm ever so grateful for your appreciation,' Ethel said with wide eyes, 'and I want you to know that it's a privilege to work here.'
William was frozen on the spot as everyone stares at Ethel.
Mr Carson looked mortified.
'Ethel. What are you doing in here?'
Ethel stuttered, 'H-- Her Ladyship sent for me.'
'And who gave you this message?' Carson asked plainly.
'Miss O'Brien.'
Emma rolled her eyes. Typical of O'Brien.
Mr Carson raised his eyes to the ceiling.
'She said I wasn't to keep Her Ladyship waiting.'
Cora sighed.
'You may go back downstairs now, thank you, Ethel.'
The other ladies smiled.
'Right. Thank you, milady.'
Ethel curtsied excitedly and exited.
Cora smiles and shakes her head.
Violet laughed, 'Well, do we think she's mad, ill, or working for the Russians?'
Sybil laughed, then stopped herself.
The next day, Emma had regretted not saying goodnight to James, she was lucky it was still early morning before James went to the car, which would take him to the station to where ever he may go. Emma rushed down wearing a light pale dress and a blue coat over her dress. Emma saw James outside, wearing his army uniform.
'James!'
James turned to see Emma walking up to him.
'Goodness, you're up early,' James said.
'I-I only came bid you farewell,' said Emma breathlessly. She dug her hand in her pocket and she held something in her fist.
'I wanted to give you something,' said Emma, then she handed James a silver ring, with her name engraved in cursive writing.
'A ring?' James said in surprise.
'It's my lucky ring. I've had it since I was born. Papa had it made as my first gift. It was in a necklace, but I wasn't sure if you could wear it to wherever you're going. It'll bring you good prosperity.'
'I'll bring it back without a dent,' said James, pocketing the ring.
'Please, try not to be hero,' Emma said, her voice wavering, 'Just come back in one piece... did you enjoy yourself?'
James nodded, 'I did. I showed a few places to Grace. Give her things to remember by, like the grounds...'
Emma's bottom lip trembled, 'Please don't...don't talk like that. I'm glad we moved forward with our lives.'
'As am I,' said James, 'No matter what happens. I am very happy to see you again, Emma.'
'Sir,' said the driver, 'We need to leave, if we're going to head back in time.'
'Of course, one minute,' said James, then he turned back to Emma and said, 'Emma...if anything happens to me, please, could you?... Grace would be lonely...if I am not here, I hope you would be there for her.'
'I promise, but I pray to God that it won't happen,' said Emma.
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. 'Goodbye James. I wish you all the luck in the world and more.'
James smiled, 'Goodbye, Emma. I wish you all the best.'
He turned and he stepped inside the motor and he didn't look once at Emma as Emma watched him moving away from her. Emma's eyes welled up tears, she hid a sob behind her hand and she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder, she turned to see it was Carson.
'He will be all right, milady. He will be all right.'
'I truly hope so, Carson.' Emma said, her voice wavering.
Carson gently took Emma back inside the house.
The next day, the girls, Cora, Violet and Mrs. Hughes were all helping Sybil packing her clothing, ready for her to leave and head straight into her nurse training. Emma felt envious that Sybil had found a purpose, although Emma was going to miss her little sister a lot.
'Where's Anna?' Violet asked Mrs. Hughes.
'She's not feeling very well today, Your Ladyship. I've taken over for the time being.'
'Oh, that's so kind of you,' Violet replied, 'Just make sure Lady Sybil packs things she can get in and out of without a maid.'
Edith started to pack an evening gown into Sybil's case.
'Oh, I don't need that,' said Sybil, 'I'd never wear it.'
'But you must have something decent. Suppose you're invited to dinner.'
Emma rolled her eyes at her sister and said, 'She's not going there for dinner, she going there only to learn.'
'Take one,' said Mary, 'just in case.'
Mary handed Sybil a gown.
'We'll miss you,' said Emma, her voice full of emotion.
Sybil smiled, 'Don't be silly. It's only two months. And I'll come home if I can.'
Sybil placed a comforting hand on Emma's arm.
'Why don't I drive you?' Edith offered Sybil.
'She's taking enough chance with her life as it is,' Violet chuckled.
'Oh, Granny.'
'What is this driving mania?' Violet asked.
'It'll be useful. They won't let a healthy man drive us around for much longer. And if Sybil can be a nurse, why can't I be a chauffeur?'
Violet rose from her seat and said, 'Well, I shall leave you. I have been summoned by Cousin Isobel for tea. Goodbye Sybil.'
Violet and Sybil embraced each other. 'And good luck with it all.'
'Thank you for being such a sport.'
'It's a big step you're taking, dear. But war deals out strange tasks. Remember your Great Aunt Roberta.'
Violet was about to leave when Mary stopped her with a question.
'What about her?'
'She loaded the guns at Lucknow.'
Mary, Emma and Sybil rose their eyebrows at each other.
'I'll come with you,' said Cora said to Violet, 'I'll tell William to fetch the bags.'
Cora paused at the door and stared at her youngest daughter with adoration. 'The first one to leave the nest.'
Cora left.
'Poor Mama. She always feels these things so dreadfully,' Edith mused.
'That's her American blood,' said Mary, then she turned to Emma, 'Although I'm glad we settled everything with James, right, Emma?'
Emma had mustered a smile in delight, 'Of course. Better now than never.'
'I'm so glad we've settled everything with Cousin Matthew,' said Sybil, 'Aren't you, Mary?'
Mary rolled her eyes and said, 'Oh, please stop treading on eggshells. I've other fish to fry.'
Edith scoffed.
Emma waved goodbye as Sybil got into her motor car. Emma couldn't help the tears started to trickle down. Now, there was another person leaving her. Now she was stuck with Mary, although she was glad Edith hadn't left her. The atmosphere in the house was going to be glum without Sybil for two whole months.
That night, Emma clasped her photograph on her chest and she knelt down beside her bed and she placed the photo on her bed, in front of her and she closed her eyes. Emma wasn't really a believer in the power of Prayer, although she thought she wanted to pray for a purpose and this could give her some peace. She was terrified at the thought of what could happen to James and wondered if she would ever see him again.
'Dear God, I probably don't have much credit with you, I don't know if you are really are listening, although if you are, I beg with everything I have to keep him unharmed, because I am still very much in love with him. I thought my feelings would have left or been burned out, but they have not. If anything were to happen to him or Cousin Matthew...I don't know what I would do... so please, Lord, keep him safe and sound. Bring him and Cousin Matthew home.'
What Emma didn't know was that Mary had opened the door a little and listened to Emma's prayer and she glanced down and closed the door as quietly as she could and went back to her bedroom.
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I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and seeing Emma & James reunited.
xoxo!