Adams POV:
It's been about six months since the war started, I enlisted right away same at Matthew, to the dislike of the Crawley family, but we both felt that it was the right thing to do. Currently both Matthew and I are in the trenches in the Somme. We are both captains of our own regime but our superiors decided that it would be best to have as many men would fit in the trenches at the front lines. Everyday is the same, we got shot at, we try to shoot back, men die and get wounded, the rest of us try to stay alive. Today I was in charge of patrolling the trenches while Matthew was out in the field. Just then I see Matthew throwing a poor injured soul into the trenches and running towards me.
Matthew: I think we should pull everyone in, we've bloody well lost enough of them for one day.
Adam: Agreed. EVERYONE FALL BACK!
All of our men come scattering back to the trenches while Matthew and I head into our captains bunker. We both have telegrams waiting for us.
Matthew: When did this arrive?
Private Dalton: Just a few hours ago sir. Same as yours Captain Redmond.
Matthew: Ah good news at last, a man can finally get some rest, I've got a few days leave coming to me.
Private Dalton: What will you do with them sir?
Matthew: London for a few days then go into Ripon for a few days I suppose, what about you Redson, you get leave?
Adam: It appears so, and I'm going to spend every last bit of it at Downton Abbey.
Matthew: What about your mother and father and grandmother in London? Surely they'll want to see you?
Adam: I think I might convince them to at least stay in Ripon, after being here for four months I can't bare to be in the cramped streets of London, I need fresh air, surely they'll understand that. But what of your fiancé Ms.Swyer?
Matthew: Shell come and stay at Downton or at mothers house.
I nod and take all my gear off and try to get some rest before we start up again.
...........................Downton............................
Mary's POV:
It's another day filled with worry in our house, none of us has heard a word from either Matthew or Adam. Of course Papa is beside himself with worry. I come down to breakfast and see his nose buried in the paper. I sit down and eat in silence. Everyone else is already down, besides Mama of course.
Mary: Any word from our heros at the front?
Papa: I'm afraid not, but I shouldn't treat my darling, they are both captains after all, they'll have their hands full.
Just then Carson enters with a telegram. I sit hoping that it will be something about either Matthew or Adam but my hopes are dashed as Carson hands the telegram to Sybil. She opens it and then runs out of the room.
Jane: Is Sybil alright?
I look at my little sisters innocent face and smile.
Mary: I'm sure she's just fine darling, finish your breakfast.
She nods and continues her breakfast while I stare out the door that Sybil had just excited out of in worry.
Janes POV:
After breakfast I went to go find Sybil, she was sitting in the library.
Jane: Sybil?
She looks up and smiles a weak smile.
Sybil: Oh Jane, hello.
I walk over and sit by her.
Jane: Sybil, what's wrong? You ran out of breakfast.
Sybil: Tom Belisus has just been killed,
Jane: Oh Sybil, I'm so sorry.
I wrap my arms around her.
Sybil: I was just telling cousin Isabelle that sometimes it feels as if every man I've ever danced with are dead.
Once again I pull her close to me.
Sybil: But then, Cousin Isabelle gave a grand idea! I told her that I felt useless, wasting my life while they sacrifice theirs and she suggested a training program in London for nursing!
Jane: Nursing! Wow! I mean I think you'd be fantastic at it but, Sybil, you know what you'll be dealing with, and you'll be far from home.
Sybil: I know, but i think that I could really make a difference.
Jane: Well then of course I will support you!
She smiles and hugs me.
Later on I decided to write letters to Thomas, Matthew and Adam.
Dearest Cousin Matthew,
I do hope that you are staying safe. Please look after yourself and try not to be too heroic, I know it will be hard for you. We all miss you terribly here at Downton, I hope that you are given leave soon and that you will come and see us.
Much Love,
Cousin Jane
Dearest Adam,
I do hope that you are looking after yourself at the front. I have already told Matthew but I will say it to you as well, please don't be a hero. I do hope that you are granted leave soon so you can come and see us. Stay safe.
Much Love,
Jane
Dearest Thomas,
Please tell me that you are looking after yourself and that they aren't working you too hard. I miss seeing you around the house, I miss our little smiles and nods and jokes. I have bought a box of lemon drops for you to enjoy on your return. So you must return soon so as not to waste them. Please come home soon and safe.
Much Love,
Jane
After I finished up my letters I went to the servants hall to ask if anyone could post them for me as it was nearing tea time and I had promised Mama that I would join her and Granny. I walk down to the servants hall and see the normal activity.
Mrs. Hughes: Oh! Lady Jane, how may I help you dear?
Jane: I'm sorry to interrupt your day Mrs. Hughes but I was wondering if someone could post these letters for me as it is nearing tea time and I have told Mama that I would join her and Granny.
Mrs. Hughes: But of course my lady.
Just then O'Brian walked up.
Ms. O'Brian: Oh, Lady Jane, is there something that I could help you with?
Jane: Oh no I was just asking if Mrs. Hughes could find someone to post this letter for me is all.
Ms. O'Brian: Oh I can do that for you my lady, be glad to.
Jane: Oh! Thank you ever so much Ms. O'Brian!
And with that I ran back up the stairs to get ready for tea.
