Downton Abbey - The Story of Emma Barrow

The Garden Party (August 1922)

AN: Hello my dear readers. The story continues with Emma Barrow. I'm sorry it took a bit longer. I've been enjoying the last beautiful rays of sunshine and had a few things to take care of here and there. First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your comments. I always enjoy reading your feedback and how you think the story will continue. Feel free to write down your ideas and suggestions. I'll try to incorporate them when the time is right. You think it's a brilliant idea to bring Bates into the story as Emma's rescuer. I thought so too, but will everyone see it that way? Do you think Emma should tell her father about the incident?

Emma was relieved when Mr. Green finally departed. Yet every time the name Lord Gillingham was mentioned, Emma's ears perked up, and she listened intently. Surely, he wasn't planning on visiting Downton again, was he? Emma wanted to spend the few remaining days of her summer holidays without worry. She just wanted to be with her Downton Abbey servant-family. The hope that her father would arrive in time for the competition dwindled with each passing day as the first week of school crept closer.

The servants' hall was bathed in warm, dim light flickering from the small wall lamps. It was late in the evening, and most of the staff were either in their rooms or busy in the kitchen. Emma sat on one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace, a book resting on her lap. Across from her, Mrs. Baxter—Phyllis—had made herself comfortable, ready to help Emma with her reading.

Emma began to read aloud from her chosen book, ‚Anne of Green Gables': "Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a hollow, fringed with alders and ladies'..." Emma's voice was calm and clear, and she made an effort to bring the characters to life, just as her dad always did.

Mrs. Baxter listened attentively, a reassuring smile on her face. She knew how important this competition was for Emma. She nodded from time to time when Emma read a passage particularly well, offering quiet tips on how she could add even more expression to her voice.

Emma briefly looked up when she heard a rustle. It was Jimmy, who walked in, glanced around, and raised an eyebrow as he noticed the book in Emma's hands. He reluctantly sat down in one of the free chairs, propping his head up with his hand and staring ahead, looking bored as Emma continued to read.

"And as the great red sun sank slowly behind the dark firs, Anne clasped her hands together and cried, 'Oh, how beautiful! I've never seen anything like that sunset before!'"

Jimmy pulled a face. "What nonsense. It's a total girls' book," he muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. Emma paused and looked at him, her brow slightly furrowed. Mrs. Baxter shot him a stern look, but before she could say anything, Jimmy wrinkled his nose and stood up. "I'd rather go to bed," he said disdainfully and left the room quickly, without a backward glance.

Emma sighed quietly and looked back at her book. Mrs. Baxter placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Boys. Don't let him get to you, Emma," she said gently. "He doesn't understand what a beautiful story this is. Keep reading, you're doing wonderfully."

Emma smiled faintly and resumed reading, this time with even more emotion in her voice, determined to convey the beauty of the story, no matter what Jimmy thought.

In the corner of the room sat Daisy. She had been silently listening since Emma's first word, completely absorbed in the story. The vivid descriptions of Anne's dreams and adventures had captivated her. But suddenly, an almost angry voice called out, "Daisy! Where are you? You haven't baked the bread for tomorrow yet!" Daisy flinched, hurriedly got up, and gave Emma an apologetic look. "You read beautifully, Emma," she whispered before rushing off to help in the kitchen.

Emma watched her leave for a moment, then smiled, encouraged by Daisy's words. She turned back to Mrs. Baxter and continued her reading, more determined than ever. The servants' hall grew quiet once more. Emma lost herself again in the world of Green Gables, her voice sometimes soft, sometimes full of enthusiasm as she narrated Anne Shirley's vivid imaginations and grand dreams. Mrs. Baxter listened patiently, and when Emma finally finished the chapter, she laid the book aside and looked at Mrs. Baxter with a satisfied smile.