The Second Crawley Bride

Reminder of Sad Endings and New Beginnings

A/N: There is one historical figure that does actually exist in history. I wanted to just make note that the person's presence in this story is purely fictional. The mentioning of this person is to commemorate the good deeds that they have done, and it is briefly mentioned of what they did in history. However, the meeting between my OC and this person did not happen as this work is fiction.

I am not mentioning the name in this author's note as I don't want to spoil you now, but please pay attention to the author's note after the chapter and google the person if interested!

Chapter 7: Reminder of Sad Endings and New Beginnings

A few days passed and George had gone back to London. Meanwhile, Lilly had been reading a letter George had sent, trying to grasp what his words meant. In the letter, he stated that he wanted Lilly to meet someone the next time he came down to Downton.

In the letter, George maintained an air of mystery, keeping details vague about who she was going to meet despite his honest nature. Perplexed by this and not sure who she could possibly meet, she kept re-reading the letter.

A few minutes later, Maria came to her and announced that Cousin Violet had arrived. Tucking her letter away in a small box, Lilly headed down to meet the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Isobel was already there, and Lilly heard her mother-in-law state,

"I'm sure it would, but--"

Lilly approached and she silently nodded to Molesley for tea, who gladly served her. As she sat down, Cousin Violet said,

"Ah, Lilly. How are you?"

It looked like Cousin Violet was holding back a snarky remark, and Lilly politely smiled, now seeing Dr. Clarkson there. The man had come so frequently lately, that Lilly had lost count. Lilly nodded and said amusedly,

"Yes. Although, I am assuming that this has something to do with signing up for the war?"

Cousin Violet's lips pursed even more, if that had been possible, as she stated,

"Yes... Isobel and I were debating about the duty of the people."

Lilly had to refrain the urge to bite down on her lips to hold back either a laughter or a groan. She wasn't sure which emotion she felt more strongly, and maintained a straight face, as Cousin Violet turned to Isobel and said,

"But... but anyways, I heard William's father would be left on his own if anything happened to the boy. And what would become of Carson if the last of his staff were to go?"

Isobel looked right at Violet, causing Dr. Clarkson to grimace a little, as she bit out,

"That's not the point.

Violet must have had enough, as she yelled out, "Do you want Molesley to die?"

Lilly sighed when she saw Moleley's face turn blanch white, while Dr. Clarkson closed his eyes, trying to stay neutral by all means. But the stress must have been too much, as he turned away slightly to pinch the bridge of his nose to relieve some tension there.

Isobel huffed out, "Of course I don't."

Lilly and Dr. Clarkson could only listen, as Violet seemed to ignore that statement as she muttered out,

"Well..."

That seemed to set a fire to Isobel, as she heatedly argued,

"I don't want my sons to die either. And I am sure that Lilly does not want to lose a husband. But this is war, and we must be in it together. High and low, rich and poor. There can be no special cases, because every man at the front is a special case to someone."