The Downton Princess | A Downton Abbey Fanfiction

Chapter Seven

    The following morning, Paul and Sebastian arrived at Downton. They walked from the train station to Helen Ringer's house. As they walked, Sebastian remembered his time spent in the village with Darrel. He had not returned to Downton since he ended their engagement many months ago. While he did not necessarily miss Downton, it was a nice break from the bustling scene in London. He also noticed that people seemed to bother him less at Downton than in London. Most of the village people were so used to seeing the former Prince of Spain from his time engaged to Darrel, that they did not pay much attention to him. However, what Sebastian missed most about Downton was, of course, Elizabeth Darrel Crawley.

    Paul and Sebastian got to a small stone house on the edge of the village. Its front lawn was covered in beautiful flowers, and one could see the roof of the small greenhouse in the backyard. Helen was a florist, and she grew the majority of the flowers that she sold. Although, her expertise was in arranging bouquets. She used to hire someone from the village to help tend to her flowers. However, after a decrease in sales, she had to let her help go and do it herself (with Paul's help when he visited).
    "The flowers look good," Sebastian commented, not knowing what else to say.
    "My mother will be glad to hear that," Paul nodded.
    The two of them had not spoken much during their trip to Downton. Originally, Sebastian had not wanted to go to Downton. But when Paul declared that he would go anyway since he wanted to visit his mother, Sebastian agreed to tag along. However, if Sebastian had insisted on remaining in London, Paul would have as well. He did not trust Sebastian alone in their house. Despite travelling to Downton together, they had not made up from their argument the previous morning. Although most of their arguments were unresolved.
    The door to the house opened and a middle-aged woman emerged. She had bright green eyes and light brown hair, which was beginning to turn grey. She rushed over to them and threw her arms around Paul.
    "Mother, get off me," Paul groaned.
    "I am so happy to see you again, dear," she grinned. "You have not come to visit me in ages!"
    "I am sorry for that, Mother. I was quite busy in London."
    "I do not care how busy you are. You are not to ignore your mother for that long ever again. Is that clear?"
    "Yes, Mother. Now, do get off me."
    Reluctantly, the woman stepped away from Paul. She turned to Sebastian and curtsied.
    "There is no reason for that," Paul informed. "He has no title anymore. Sebastian, this is my mother; Helen. Mother, I am sure that you know this, but meet Sebastian Carlos."
    "It is nice to meet you, Mr Carlos," Helen nodded, "I have heard so much about you over the years."
    "Good things, I hope," Sebastian replied.
    "Certainly not," Paul snapped, earning glares from both Sebastian and his mother.
    "Well, I am happy to have you both here," Helen smiled. "I am afraid that with all the new orders that I'm receiving, I am quite behind. You two men will be quite some help to me."
    "We would be glad to help, Mother," Paul assured. "Sebastian loves gardening."
    "Oh, how lovely. Come through, and I'll show you around, Mr Carlos."
    "You can just call him Sebastian."
    If Helen heard her son's comment, she did not reply and instead headed back into the house. Paul picked up his case and began to follow her, but Sebastian caught him by the arm.
    "Why are you being such an ass?" Sebastian demanded.
    "I am not," Paul retorted.
    "You keep insulting me."
    "I always insult you. Besides, we did not come here for you to be waited on hand and foot. You needed a change of scenery, and my mother needs help with her flower business."
    "Well, can you try to be slightly less irritating?"
    "I am not sure if I can, but I will try."
    Sebastian rolled his eyes as he followed Paul into the house.