In the World of Downton Abbey

Chapter 8 - What is this? CSI?

Mandy was never the center of attention, not at school or at home since she was the youngest. She wasn't used to everyone in one room talking about her with her sitting there among them. It was unnerving. Her interview with Mary was the main topic of conversation at dinner, and Mandy wanted to shrink in her seat and hide.

"Surely Mandy hasn't stolen anything," William said as he ate a piece of bread, and a few of the other maids and hall boys agreed.

"Of course not. Lady Mary's scheming something for sure," said Daisy, pouring water for everyone.

"She definitely is," Mandy said as she swirled around her beef stew with her spoon, not hungry for it. "I didn't do anything, so I don't know why she's doing it."

"I will not tolerate any ill speaking of Lady Mary or any one of the members in the family," Mr. Carson said hotly. "Is that understood?"

Everyone became silent for a moment, then Daisy asked as she sat down across from Mandy after pouring everyone water, "Did you really get that pin in the village?"

"I did," said Mandy, eyeing Thomas sitting down the table from her and who took a spoonful of his stew. Her heart sank a bit as another lie escaped her lips. "I thought it was beautiful, so I bought it."

"And you won't be wearing it while you're on duty," said Mrs. Hughes as if she were speaking to her own daughter.

"Yes, I know," Mandy said.

She looked at Thomas again. She really needed to talk to him. He may suspect that she lied to him, and now, he might think she was a thief! Luckily, once dinner was through, she was able to catch him in the hallway near the stairs when everyone was busy with their own duties.

"Do you think I'm guilty?" she asked him. He folded his arms over his footman suit and cocked his head.

"I don't know. Are you?"

"Of course I'm not! I wouldn't do anything that would risk me getting kicked out. Especially now that..." Someone walked by them. She leaned in and whispered, "Now that I have you. I wouldn't risk anything to leave you."

It was true. She really did care about him and wanted him to be happy, and he was happy, at least a bit more, people noticed. What would happen when she suddenly woke up from all this, though? That would kill him.

Thomas stared at her long and hard, and opened his mouth to say something, but Mr. Carson walked up and ordered them to get going on the evening chores. Mandy leaned in and whispered to Thomas, "It's true. I wouldn't risk anything. Mary's up to something."

She turned and walked down the hallway, knowing Thomas watched her as she went. What did he really think? Did he think she was guilty?

~ ~ ~

The next morning as the sunlight shined through the windows, Mandy walked through the main entry corridor of the house, near the stairs. She had a bouquet of brilliant yellow flowers that were to be set at the luncheon table. Since the flowers blocked her view, she couldn't see directly in front of her.

"Mandy?"

Mandy moved the flowers out of the way a bit so she could see who addressed her. "Oh," she said when she saw pretty Sybil standing there, wearing a lavender blouse and long grey skirt. "Hello, My Lady."

"Mandy, may I have a word?"

A word? Meaning she wanted to talk to her? "Okay."

They stood near the entrance of the stairs, and Mandy held the vase of flowers in such a way that it gave her a good view of Sybil. "What can I do for you, My Lady?"