Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. I am back with another chapter, I had been editing this chapter heavily and I'm still not satisfied with it, but it is better than it was before. I am happy to say that I am taking a well-earned break from work. I never realised I had been working 2 years straight without taking any leave so I had decided to take a month off and relax. Also COVID restrictions had been lifted and I am looking forward to going out.
Without taking more of your time, enjoy reading Episode 8 â Pandemic.
April 1919. Matthew and Lavinia's wedding was being set up all around Downton with the aid from the servants. Emma was trying to be supportive of Mary, but Mary had carved a thick wall between her true emotions and appearance towards everyone. She had expressed she was pleased but there was a small look of despair behind her eyes that made Emma really wanted to comfort her but she had restrained herself, knowing that Mary wanted to appear as being fine and strong.
Emma could see James wasn't coping well of the wedding celebration either when the date was drawing closer, Emma didn't exactly blame him. This was almost him marrying the wrong woman. James tried not to look at the wedding decorations and walk away as swiftly as he could. Emma could see it was a stroke luck of fate that had stopped him from making the biggest mistake. Emma wasn't an idiot to see that James was rather shaken at Grace's betrayal and it had left scars on him, he barely talked to Emma nor even could he even look at her. Mostly, he had spent his time avoiding Emma.
Mary had shrugged off her feelings towards Matthew, stating to Emma that she was fine, and soon it would be her and Richard marrying. Emma still couldn't believe that Mary was going to marry that horrid man, although she found a bit of comfort knowing that Mary hadn't set a date. She had seen Sir Richard and Mary conversing and it didn't look like they were a happy engaged couple, but rather two people having to put with each other.
Emma had arrived at the hall where her Mama, Lavinia, Mary, Cousin Isobel, and Mrs. Hughes had gathered after deciding to stretch her legs after finishing reading Howards End by E.M. Forster.
'We can put the presents in the drawing room against the window.' Cora suggested.
'Very good, milady.' Mrs. Hughes replied, leaving to relay the message to the servants and she left.
'I suppose we do have to display all the presents,' Isobel stated, looking at the wrapped gifts. 'It can look rather greedy.'
Emma sighed and moved her eyes away from the presents.
'I can't bear the disruption we seem to have brought down on your heads.' Lavinia apologised.
'Don't be silly.' Cora said, placing a comforting arm on Lavinia.
Matthew entered and Emma, Mary and Lavinia went to him.
'How are you feeling?' Mary asked Matthew.
'Just wish I could get rid of this damn stick. Sorry.'
'Don't be. If anyone has a right to swear, it's you.' Mary said.
'Don't bully yourself. Think of where we were a few months ago and smile.' Lavinia reassured.
'I quite agree, it's a tremendous improvement,' said Emma cheerily. 'You'll be up on your own feet in no time.'
'I want to make it up and down that isle without assistance.'
'Up, yes. You'll have me to lean on when you're coming down.'
'And you still have three full days of practice, so never say die.' Mary said before leaving.
'My goodness, is that the time?' Isobel inquired, 'I must be getting back.'
'I'll go with you.' Lavinia said to Isobel.
'She's just sucking up to you, mother.' Matthew said.
Lavinia turned her head towards Matthew as she was holding onto Isobel's arm and said, 'Any bride who doesn't suck up to her husband's mother is a fool.'
Isobel chuckled and left with Lavinia while Matthew turned away. Emma watched with a yearning heart as James walked down the stairs and past Emma without a glance.
All the sisters were gathered in Mary's bedroom that same evening. Sybil had wanted to announce her relationship with Branson that night. Emma had dressed in a midnight blue gown and her hair in a decorated low bun.
'You cannot be serious!' Edith said to Sybil.
'But why announce it tonight, all of a sudden?' Mary asked Sybil.
'He's got a job at a newspaper. He heard today it's a real chance.'
Mary was more stubborn to keep Sybil in Downton, 'Let him go to Dublin and then you can use the calm to consider.'
Sybil scoffed at Mary.
'Mary doesn't want you to be trapped before you're completely sure.' Edith reassured.
'But I am sure! How many times do I have to say it? Anna, tell them.' Sybil exclaimed, turning to the maid.
'Lady Mary's right. It's a very big thing to give up your whole world.' Anna replied.
'Thank you. Listen to her if you won't listen to me.'
'But I'm not giving up my world! They want to give me up. That's their affair. I'm perfectly happy to carry on being friends with everyone.'
'Married to the chauffeur?' Mary underlined.
'Yes.' Sybil glared. 'Anyway, he's a journalist now, which sounds better for Granny.'
Sybil sat down on the bed, looking frustrated.
'We're going to tell Papa tonight.'
Everyone turned to Sybil.
'"We"? You mean, you and Branson?' Edith asked faintly.
'He's coming in after dinner.'
'But what will Papa do?' Emma asked worriedly, fixing her gloves.
'I imagine he'll call the police.' Mary answered.
'Or worse,' Edith stated.
Sybil turned away, sniffling and she shook her head in disbelief. But Emma could think was how her parents were going to react.
The night had gone well, but Emma felt a pit fell into her stomach after dinner. Emma knew fully well when Sybil set her mind on something, she would never give up, therefore it was a trait in all of the sisters. Right on the dot, after a few minutes of finishing dinner and everyone gathered in the Drawing Room. Emma felt her mind went blank when the door opened and Branson entered the room.
'Yes?' Robert said to him.
Branson looked at Sybil and said, 'I'm here.'
'So I can see.' Robert said with confusion.
Sybil got up and walked over to Branson.
'I don't think this is such a good idea. We mustn't worry Granny.'
'You've asked me to come, and I've come.' Branson said with a steely expression.
Emma snapped her eyes closed for a couple of seconds and prayed to all the gods in the world that she wasn't having second thoughts.
'Would someone please tell me what is going on, or have we all stepped through the looking glass?' Violet said, looking at the pair.
'Your grandmother has as much right to know as anybody else.' Branson said aloud.
'Why don't I find that reassuring?' Violet asked with wide eyes.
Sybil and Branson told everyone about their romance and their plan to be married in Dublin. No one knew how to react. Although Mary was the first to react, admitting that she knew of Sybil's and Branson's romance.
'What do you mean, "you knew"?' Robert spat, turning to his eldest daughter.
'I hoped it would blow over. I didn't want to split the family when Sybil might still wake up.' Mary said flatly.
Robert turned to Branson and said, 'And all the time, you've been driving me about, bowing and scraping and seducing my daughter behind my back?'
Branson retorted, 'I don't bow and scrape! And I've not seduced anyone! Give your daughter some credit for knowing her own mind!'
'How dare you speak to me in that tone. You will leave at once.'
'Oh, Papa!' Sybil cried out.
'This is a folly!' Robert chuckled with disbelief. 'A ridiculous, juvenile madness!'
Violet held up her hand at her son and turned to Sybil and asked in a serious tone, 'Sybil, what do you have in mind?'
'Mama, this is hardly-'
Violet holds up her hand, 'No. She must have something in mind. Otherwise, she wouldn't have summoned him here tonight.'
Sybil looked a tiny bit relieved, 'Thank you, Granny. Yes, we do have a plan. Tom's got a job on a paper. I'll stay until after the wedding, I don't want to steal their thunder.'
Sybil indicated Mary and Lavinia.
'But after that, I'll go to Dublin.'
'To live with him? Unmarried?' Cora said faintly.
'I'll live with his mother while the bans are read. And then we'll be married...'
Sybil and Branson gazed into each other's eyes.
'And I'll get a job as a nurse.'
Violet turned to Branson and asked, 'What does your mother make of this?'
'If you must know, she thinks we're very foolish.' Branson admitted.
Violet chuckled uncomfortably and said, 'So at least we have something in common.'
Robert faced the wall, whipped around and stormed into the centre of the room. 'I won't allow it! I will not allow my daughter to throw away her life!'
'You can posture it all you like, Papa, it won't make any difference!'
'Oh, yes, it will.' Robert shouted and his eyes darken.
'How? I don't want any money and you can hardly lock me up until I die! I'll say goodnight. But I can promise you one thing, tomorrow morning nothing will have changed. Tom.'
Sybil gave him a look to follow her out, leaving the rest of them in a state of shock. Emma couldn't believe that Sybil had the guts to tell everyone that she was marrying Branson, she glanced wearily at her Papa and saw his livid expression and thought best not to rub salt on his wound.
The next day, Emma and Edith were sorting out the wedding presents in the drawing room. Some of the pieces were very beautiful and Emma couldn't believe that it could've been her years ago and she blew her chance, she closed her eyes for a second and then reopened them and sighed, she felt rather hot and she fanned her hands towards her face. She wondered now what would happen, maybe she could've taken Philip and live in a cottage, have five children and live happily ever after.
'Are you feeling all right, Emma?' Edith asked, peering at her. 'You look flushed.'
Emma nodded and said, 'It's just the weather.'
'If you're sure.' Edith said, not believing her.
The door opened and Emma saw Violet entered the room.
'All on your own?'
'I've left space at the front for jewels. I know Lavinia's getting something from Papa.' Edith said.
'And from me. Though she's so slight, a real necklace would flatten her.'
Edith, Emma and Violet chuckled.
'What news of Sybil?' Violet asked.
'Papa is with her now.' Edith replied.
'I'm afraid it'll end in tears.'
'Maybe,' said Emma, 'But they won't be Sybil's.'
'I used to think that Mary's beau was a misalliance, but compared to this, he's practically a Hapsburg.'
Edith smiled for a moment. Although Emma cast her head down.
'Oh, don't worry. Your turn will come.'
Emma looked up.
'Will it? Or will we just be the maiden aunts?' said Edith sullenly, 'Isn't this what they do? Arrange presents for their pretty relations?'
'Don't be defeatist, dear, it's very middle class. Now, I better go up and support your father.'
'Good luck.' Emma said, then she turned back to the wedding presents.
'How are things with you and James?' Edith asked Emma.
Emma sighed, 'He hasn't talked to me since Grace left...Maybe he just needs some space.'
'I still can't believe she capable of doing that... but he will come around,' Edith reassured. 'He can't stay mad at you forever.'
Emma shrugged and said, 'Maybe.'
That night at dinner, the main topic of conversation was Sybil and Branson. Emma was starting to feel a little light-headed and her body's temperature hadn't gone down, a couple of times she felt like she had wanted to faint, but she had immediately stopped herself from keeling over. She knew that Sybil was sticking to her decision of marrying Branson and Robert and Violet were against the idea of Sybil marrying the chauffeur. Violet had come back after trying to persuade Sybil out of marrying Branson with no luck of changing Sybil's mind.
'I'm glad you're here, Sybil, dear. I was afraid you'd have a tray in your room.' Violet said.
'Maybe you should have done.' Robert muttered.
'Why? I'm nor eloping like a thief in the night. I might have once, but Mary, Edith and Emma talked me out of it.'
Emma glanced at her sister wide eyed. She couldn't believe that Sybil would sell out her sisters.
'Oh? The plot thickens.' Violet said, looking at all three granddaughters.
Emma gave a sheepish look at Violet.
'What would you have us do?' Edith said.
'After all, Sybil's had enough time to think about itâ' Isobel started.
'Mother, it is not for us to have an opinion.' Matthew interjected.
Emma watched as Molesley faltered in pouring Matthew's wine.
'Mr Molesley, are you quite well?' Emma said, looking at Molesley's ashen expression.
'I-I'm all right, thank you, my lady.'
'I don't believe you are.' James said, looking at the footman.
'The awful truth is, I'm not quite all right and I'm afraid I'm going to ask you to excuse me.' Cora said.
'I'm so sorry.' Robert said.
The men stood as Cora got up from the table.
'Would you like us to call Dr Clarkson?'
'No, no, darling, it's too late.'
'He's coming anyway, Your Lordship, for Mr Carson.' Anna informed them.
'I-I'll bring him up when he arrives.' Edith offered kindly.
'I can sleep in my dressing room.' Robert said.
Cora gave a little smile and she left the room.
Robert sat back down.
'The Spanish flu has found its way to Yorkshire.'
'And to Downton. Dr Clarkson says he's got ten cases already.' Isobel said.
'Goodness, that is terrifying.' James said.
Emma exhaled noisily and struggled not to fan herself.
'Ah, I thought Molesley had joined the temperance league.'
'I'm afraid he's been taken ill, milord. I am sorry.' Anna said, pouring Robert's drink.
'Molesley, too?' Robert asked, 'Good heavens, everyone's falling like ninepins.'
Emma saw Lavinia swooned in her chair.
'Lavinia?' Mary asked, looking concerned.
'Do you know, I'm not at all well either. I wonder if I could lay down for a minute?' Lavinia said.
'Of course. Come to my room. They'll have lit the fire by now.'
Mary and Lavinia got up from the table. The men stood as they exit.
'Emma?' James asked. 'Are you alright? You don't look well.'
'I-I don't feel so well, I think I might have a lie down.' Emma said weakly, she felt like someone had lit an iron in her body.
Robert stood up and said, 'Would you like-'
'No-no, no fuss please, maybe I just need a goodnight sleep, thank you, Papa.'
Emma walked out of the room before she felt light and wasn't sure if she was going to faint. She felt as if her body was lit on fire and her body swayed.
'Emma, Emma!'
Emma blacked out and she knew nothing else...
Emma's eyes peaked open and she peered groggily around to see her familiar bedroom and she felt someone grasping her hand.
'How is she?' James asked worriedly.
Emma glanced down to see James's hand holding hers and her heart fluttered.
'She has a high temperature, the best thing we can do for her is to bring her temperature down by cooling her forehead, before she gets worse.' Doctor Clarkson said.
'She said she felt a little hot this afternoon.' Edith said. She was standing next to Doctor Clarkson.
'And you didn't say anything?' James said sharply.
'I didn't think she would've faint.' Edith said sadly. 'Emma is a strong fighter, ever since she was a child. I remember when she was five she had caught a fever, she had been unwell for three days in bed and then after when she was well she rushed off into the village fair with Carson fit as a fiddle.'
'She has always been resilient and healthy young woman, but the Spanish flu is unforgiving, even to those who are robust.' Doctor Clarkson said.
Emma croaked out, 'James?'
James's eye snapped to Emma and his wonderful blue eyes widened.
'Emma? How are you feeling?'
Emma's mouth felt dry and croaked, 'L-Like someone lit me on fire.'
Emma's eyes faltered and her eyes closed, her vision surrounded in darkness.
Emma's eyes opened again and her vision was a little better than before. She felt something cool on her forehead. The room was dark, the only thing she could see well was the fire lit in her fireplace and the outline of a person sitting next to her.
'W-Where is everyone?' Emma asked weakly.
The person looked up, revealing to be James.
'You're awake.'
Emma tried to smile, she wasn't sure if she had grimaced or given a weak smile.
'Have you been here this whole time? Y-You should be at home.'
James shook his head, 'No, I'm not leaving you.'
James got up and Emma heard drips of water and she felt a cloth removed from her forehead and a cooler cloth was placed tenderly on her.
'Y-You didn't have to do t-that.' Emma said.
James sat back down and held Emma's hand.
'You stayed with me when I was blind, and it's not about pity,' said James, when Emma's expression changed, 'I want to take care of you, just as you did for me.'
Emma smiled gently.
'Did you get any sleep?'
'A few hours, but it's fine.' James waved off.
Emma glanced down at their hands intertwined, his long fingers stroked hers.
'Do you forgive me?' Emma asked in a small voice.
James met Emma's eyes and his expression softened.
'For what?'
'About Grace? The whole cheating and pregnancy debacle.'
James's hand stopped stroking hers.
'I have no reason to forgive you, because you did nothing wrong in the first place, in truth, I should ask for your forgiveness.' James said.
'Why?'
'Because I am still in love with you.' James said.
Emma stared at him.
'I had hoped to fall in love with Grace, I did love her...for a while. Although, I don't think I was ever in love with her as I had fallen for you. You were the only one I had ever loved... somehow I realised I never did stop loving you.'
Emma sighed.
'I should come out clean. I-I love you too, more than anything in this world.' Emma said, grasping his hand.
James smiled, 'Your grandmother was the one who told me about Grace, and of your feelings, as well as she suggested me marrying you...that was why I was distancing myself from you. I had to sort out my feelings and everything else.'
'I understand.' Emma said.
James leaned forward and Emma felt herself leaning towards James and she felt his lips on hers. A feeling she was starved for so long. There was a bolt of spark in the kiss and Emma knew instantly that she couldn't want anyone else but him. She closed her eyes and felt James's soft hand cupping her face as he deepened the kiss. Emma regrettably broke the kiss as she coughed.
'I'm sorry,' James apologised.
Emma shook her and smiled, 'Don't be. It was worth it.'
James's hand moved to caress her cheek and he said, 'Get some rest, darling. I'll still be here.'
The next day, Emma felt a tiny bit better. The temperature had died down and with the round the clock care, she was still coughing, although to Emma, it felt like she was coughing every two minutes. Emma suggested to James to get some sleep, he had dark circles around his eyes and Edith took over caring for Emma. Mary, Edith, Isobel, Robert and Doctor Clarkson came around in the late morning. Mary had notified her that Cora had taken the worse of the influenza, she had been sweating, gasping for breath and she had a nose bleed. Emma was horrified to learn that there was a real possibility of her Mama dying so soon and she couldn't imagine a life without her mother. She mentally prayed dearly for her mother's life to be spared.
Late in the night after dinner, Emma felt her fever had been broken. Her temperature had gone back to normal, her coughing had raged on, she had been coughing out phlegm and a few times she coughed out specks of blood. Doctor Clarkson had given her some medication for the coughing which had thankfully worked. In the early evening Edith had gotten her dry toast and weak tea to settle her stomach. Her voice was still raspy, but a bit clearer. James had returned before dinner, but he was chased out by Edith when she reprimanded him, stating that he needed sleep. Emma peaked to see that James had clearly taken a bath, but he was a little pale.
'He can sleep here.' Emma said.
Edith turned to Emma.
'But don't you think-'
'No buts,' said Emma firmly, 'I will watch him. You should get something to eat.'
Edith opened her mouth to rebut but the door opened and Sybil entered, looking frazzled.
'Edith! Come quickly!' Sybil said.
'Is it Mama?' she asked, her expression whitened.
'No, it's Lavinia.'
Emma's heart dropped to her stomach. As much as she wanted Mary to be with Matthew, she didn't dislike Lavinia and she hoped to God that Lavinia could be saved. She only thought that Matthew bought out the best in Mary and he was good enough for her. But Lavinia had no faults that Emma couldn't think off and she never imagined her dying.
Edith rushed off, leaving James with Emma.
Emma blushed when their eyes met and she couldn't stop smiling.
'Marry me, Emma.'
Emma gasped at James's blunt proposal.
'No,' said Emma.
James looked crestfallen as he sat down beside her.
Emma shook her head, 'I said no because of the way you proposed. You must do it properly. Besides, did you get Papa's blessing? I won't accept until he accepts.'
James smiled, his eyes twinkled brilliantly.
'I had asked him years ago and he accepted.'
Emma smiled and said, 'Ask me tomorrow, and in the meantime get some sleep.'
James chuckled and held Emma's fair hand.
The next day at early sunrise, Emma was well enough to dress herself without a maid. Luckily, James had left. Emma had dressed into her pale lavender dress and she was about to leave when the door opened and James came holding a red rose.
'James? What is this?' Emma chuckled, glancing at his giddy expression and she glanced down at the rose.
Emma took the rose and she couldn't hold in her grin.
'I can't hold it in any longer. I don't want to waste more time wishing I had time, but I had learned that time is precious and we only live once. I love you Emma, and I will continue love you until my last breath.'
James got down on his knee and pulled out a golden ring with a single white diamond. The morning light hit James's face, making his eyes sparkling brilliantly.
'I want us to be together and I know you and I have the same dreams. I want you to be the mother to my children and walk together as husband and wife... Lady Emma Crawley, will you marry me?'
Emma's face poured down tears as he spoke. She nodded and said 'Yes. Yes, I will marry you.'
James's expression brightened like Christmas morning and he placed the ring on her right finger and he stood up and bent down to her and kissed her. She felt this was the best day of her life and she embraced her arms around his neck and pinched her arms to make sure it wasn't a pipe dream. She couldn't contain her giddiness and excitement that was bubbling like champagne waiting to burst free from the bottle.
Emma and James went downstairs, grinning like children. They held each other's hands as they walked. Emma couldn't believe that she was engaged. She never would've thought that she would be marrying him this quickly. Well, she hoped to be married before the end of the year and hoped that James felt the same way.
'What date do you have in mind?' James asked her.
'What about Christmas? Or just before Christmas. I don't to delay the wedding beyond next year.'
'I agree. Let's start our lives together this year.' James said.
James and Emma both entered the breakfast room and the first thing she saw was Robert, Mary, Edith, Sybil and Isobel in the room.
'Oh, Good morning, everyone! You won't believe what has happened this morning! James and I are engaged!'
Emma grinned at her family and saw the sombre expressions and the outfit they all were wearing was black.
Black meant mourning....
Someone had...
'Who?' Emma asked, her smiled died right away.
'It's Lavinia,' said Mary in a sadden tone, 'she died last night.'
Lavinia's funeral was held a week later on a Monday. She was buried at Downton and Emma felt it was right for her to be resting here. Emma never really spent much time with Lavinia and she felt rather bad to wish that Mary and Matthew to be married and to cast off Lavinia.
Emma bowed her head as she reflected on Lavinia's life. She was a sweet young woman didn't deserve to die so early. But now she thought of the impact it would have on Mary and Matthew. Emma glanced up to see Mr. Swire grieving expression at the front, with Matthew next to him.
Emma felt someone caress her hand and she felt her heart leap to know it was her fiancé with her at this horrid time. She hoped to never bury anyone this soon. She had lost a few people from the war in her life and couldn't bear to say goodbye to another person who had passed on.
'Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' Reverend Travis said, as he threw dirt on Lavinia's coffin. 'In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body that may be like unto his glorious body according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself. Amen.'
'Amen.' Everyone murmured.
Emma held onto James's arm as they walked out of the cemetery. She had seen Sybil holding Branson's hand and talking to Robert. Emma had remembered that her sister was leaving to be married in Dublin and she hoped that her Papa would accept Branson into the family someday. She smiled when saw her Papa and Branson shook hands and departed.
'What are you smiling for?' James asked in a warm tone.
Emma glanced up at him and said, 'I saw Papa and Branson.'
'Oh?' James murmured.
'I just hope Papa will accept Branson into the family.'
'I think he will, give him some time,' James said, adjusting his ascot hat. 'He may see that he makes Lady Sybil happy.'
'Will you come with me? To Dublin?' Emma asked, glancing at him.
James rose his eyebrows and asked, 'They won't mind?'
'I don't think so...Sybil likes you very much.'
'I doubt Robert would be going...' James mused.
Emma's smile dropped and said, 'Neither would Mama. I just know that they want Sybil to be happy.'
'Have you given any thought to a date?'
'I have...but I won't tell you now.'
Emma smiled a little and looked forward for what was going to come.
And there we have it!
I felt bad for killing off Lavinia and characters in general, it broke my heart when I re-watched Lavinia's death (R.I.P. Lavinia Swire) and I had wanted Emma to be the one to go through the Spanish Influenza instead of James... he had been through the war and I thought that would be enough trauma for him.
I had wanted Emma and James to be married before the end of season two and now we have the wedding to look forward to.
I had also started putting up pics of what her engagement ring looks like for visual readers. I will include more in the next chapter which would be uploaded within 2 weeks.
Feel free to comment, vote, add Emma Crawley season 2 into your libraries.
Until next time.
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