Downton Abbey - The Story of Emma Barrow

Goodbye Edna, Welcome Mrs. Baxter (June 1922)

AN: So, finally a new chapter. I'm sorry it took so long again. The good news is that the next chapter is already almost completely written and I plan to publish it this weekend. Thank you to all my diligent readers! And thank you for your comments. I haven't forgotten your suggestions either and will incorporate them at suitable points. We're only in Season 4 and still have 2 seasons and soon even three films to go! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter. Oh, and the Green story isn't over yet either. It will continue to be a theme from Season 4 into Season 5. So, stay tuned for what else will happen there.

„I'm glad that at least someone is happy," remarked Thomas as he entered the boot room, where Edna was humming to herself while cleaning Her Ladyship's shoes. "Though I must say, I'm surprised it's you," he added with a hint of scepticism.

"Why's that?"

"Well, you did seem quite downcast when you were talking to Mr. Branson the other day."

"You think you can read me like a book, don't you?"

"I'm rather proud of keeping my eyes open, I must say," countered Thomas with a grin.

"Oh, you should definitely keep your eyes open and your ears too, where I'm concerned."

"What do you mean by that?" he asked, probing.

"It means one day you'll be glad you've kept on good terms with me," Edna replied provocatively as she left the room. Thomas's face contorted slightly. He had already suspected that Edna was up to something, and this was the confirmation he needed.

Thomas stepped out into the courtyard and lit the long-awaited cigarette. He leaned against the wall that shielded him from the noise and hustle of the estate, taking a deep drag of his cigarette. He slowly exhaled the smoke into the air, pondering over his daughter's unusually secretive behaviour.

Suddenly, he heard a sound. Moving away from the wall, he peered around the corner and saw Emma returning from playing.

"How was it at Ruby's?" he asked.

"Good," she replied briefly. Her eyes avoided his, and she shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.

"Is that it? No epic tale about what you played all day?" Thomas wondered. Usually, Emma could talk for hours about her adventures, but today she was unusually silent.

"I'm tired," she muttered, trying to slip past him. Thomas placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to stop her. "What's wrong, little dwarf?"

"I just told you, I'm tired," Emma repeated, trying to break free from his hand. Her voice was low and almost pleading.

"You're acting very strange, Emma Grace," Thomas said, his expression growing more serious. "Answer me: is everything alright?"

"Yes," Emma nodded. But her eyes told a different story, one filled with fear and secrets.

"Are you sure you don't want to tell me what's going on?" Thomas pressed once more. His curiosity and concern were mounting. He wanted to know what was causing his daughter to react this way, but Emma shook her head. "You don't need to worry. Everything's fine," the girl insisted.

"Really?" he asked, his voice filled with doubt.

Again, the ten-year-old nodded. "Dad, I'm fine. I just didn't sleep well because of the spider." Her voice was calm, but Thomas could hear a trace of nervousness. He scrutinised his daughter sceptically. He could see in her expression that something was bothering her. But he knew he shouldn't push her further. He decided to let the matter rest for now. "Alright then, little dwarf," he said finally, gently brushing her hair. "But you know you can tell me anything, don't you? I'm always on your side."