James, the only son of Lord and Lady Grantham experiences a loss when his fiance, Emma, is lost aboard the Titanic.
this is a sequel to Coming of Age book 1:Charlotte.
Robert waited anxiously for the evening post for it contained the last letter James ever wrote to them. But before that they had rather an unusual meeting with Lady Hanestrck. Apparently Emma had been saved but was not conscious for several months. someone had mistaken her for a young woman from Cheshire so when she woke up she explained who she was and was reunited with her family. Her mother wanted to explain because Emma was still in love with James, but sadly it wasn't meant to be and hearts were broken again.
He finished off his tea as Carson arrived with the post. complete with the last photo taken of ,james. He shakily opened the letter, taking deep breath as he started to read it:
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"My Dearest mama and papa and sisters,
I hope all is well at home. I miss the warmth of the fire in the library I miss the smell of Mrs. Patmore's delicious roast beef and yorkshire pudding. In a few days i shall be going on patrol but when I retun I will be arriving on the occassion of Mama's birthday. What a treat to see my beautiful Mama on the day of her birth. Lottie, I do hope you're behaving.
Love to my wonderful family i will think of us enjoying a brandy together in the library soon.
with love and hope, your son and brother,
Liuetenant James Crawley."
Robert sighed. He must show this letter to Cora but will she be all right after reading it? the patrol he was sent on was the last one he left for before being killed. How would she feel knowing she wouldn't be seeing him on her birthday this year. Robert wiped away a tear that fell unnoticed.
********************************
Carson heard a car pull up. Opening the door he saw Taylor get out and open the door for a rather poorly dressed and filthy looking man.
"Taylor?"
He didn't answer, though, the man did. Carson was stunned when he lifted his head. "God in Heaven!"he gasped. Master James?"
"Any chance you have room for a weary traveler, Mr. Carson?"
"Shouldn't you be in hospital?" Carson asked.
"I decided I should need to see my family first."
""Absolutely, the dressing gong just rang, would you care for a bath first?"
"That sounds wonderful. Perhaps some assistance?"
"Alfred!"
Carson was so stunned he wasn't sure what to do. He started off by calling Doctor Clarkson then went to see his Lordship, who was waiting in the drawing room. "Milord? Could I speak to for a moment?"
"Of course, Carson."
**********************************
James had gotten horribly ill with influenza and wandered from the infirmary tent during a fever dream. He was found two months later barely alive and was nursed back to health by a sweet French family who helped him get back home.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Robert had finished his business for the day now sat back to read a book while listening to the thunder rumbling outside.Matthew and Mary decided to take a stroll as chaperones for Charlotte and her beau, SirNathaniel Feltner, a young man of matthew's aquantence so they should be returning soon with the threat of rain. He was most proud of Lottie, but a bit sad for her as the changes of a post war world set in. He looked up when the door opened and Cora entered. His beautiful wife. She had a radiant smile on her face since the moment James entered their room very much alive. She bothered the por kid with questions on his eating habits seeing as he lost weight. He reminded her he was ill for a good while and wasn't much in the mood for anything but water.
