Downton Abbey: All Is Fair In Love And War

Another lie, Matthew?

Downton Abbey,
Nov 1918

"How gracious of you to be in our presence, Sergeant Barrow" O'Brien said as Thomas walked down the servants' stairs. "Walking through the grand doors now, are we? Well, that was a smart plan of yours, I don't know how you convinced Crawley to take you on."

Thomas raised his eyebrow and smirked "We all must secure our future somehow, O'Brien".

"Is he here for another dinner?" O'Brien asked and took out a cigarette and Thomas' joined her and nodded his head. "Is he still wallowing in self-pity? Because that's what Lady Mary thinks too." She raised her eyebrow at Thomas as she hoped for some gossip from his new position.

"I will not discuss what Mr Crawley does or doesn't do, O'Brien." Thomas blew some smoke out and leaned against the wall while trying not to look too pleased with himself.

Upstairs the dinner did not quite take the turn Matthew Crawley had expected because behind Richard Carlisle came Lavinia Swire, looking forlorn, and staring at Matthew. Matthew hung his head, his jaw clenched and looked at Richard with murderous eyes. He clearly thought love still lingered between him and Mary; but he couldn't be more wrong. Now he had dragged poor Lavinia back into this mess, a mess Matthew had thought he had been freed from.

He was rolled into the sitting room by her and she sat down on an ottoman before the fire.

"Nothing has changed" Matthew stated.

"It has, I have changed" Lavinia answered and Matthew looked at her in confusion as she explained how bowled over she had been and had allowed Matthew to just let her be sent away; how she was going to stay and care for him.

"I love you, I'm going to look after you, and that is all there is to it" Lavinia said and Matthew averted his gaze; staring into the flames of the fireplace. Someone else had spoken those words, someone Matthew did love, and someone who had been taking care of him already.

"And if I refuse?" Matthew said coldly but Lavinia did not pick up on the tone of his voice.

"I'm sorry, but I mean it" She said boldly "You won't frighten me away, no matter what you do."

For a moment Matthew thought of telling her, telling her everything that was going on between him and Thomas because he knew that would frighten her away — but then Sybil, who tossed Matthew a glance of worry, and Edith came walking through the room and Lavinia and pushed Matthew out of the room to follow the Crawleys'. Matthew did not get a chance to say a second word or to object again. So, there he was, yet again trapped in a lie he told in the trenches. Matthew was stuck in the agreement of a gentleman.

"Will you have Mr Carson find Thomas for me? Tell him I am ready to leave." Matthew said quietly to her. He was dreading what Thomas would do, would say, when he saw who was standing behind Matthew. He knew the Sergeant's heart would break, just like Matthew's was doing at this very moment. Everything had been too perfect so something had to come and ruin their own little world again, their own France — it was as if it was a part of God's plan.

"Will you still need him? Because I am here now to— " Lavinia said and put her hand on Matthew's shoulder.

"There are things undignified for you to do or see before marriage, something men of the army — especially a medic like Thomas — have seen and done before." Matthew cut her off quickly but then added "please" as he had felt himself rather rude — though he could not help himself.

"Of course, of course - until the wedding it's better if he stays." A blush appeared on Lavinia's cheek and then she hurried away to find Mr Carson while Matthew apologised to the rest of the Crawleys' for his early departure.