Risk It All - Tom Branson/Downton Abbey

General Strutt

To the surprise of everyone Robert and Cora had agreed on turning Downton Abbey into a convalescent home. The twins were over the moon with the idea, however, Violet hated it and Cora was still unsure. Currently everyone was rallying around putting beds everywhere. Isobel, Edith and Cora were stood telling people where to put the beds.

"Should we give them some more space between the beds?" asked Anna as she carried a bed frame, closely followed by Ethel

"Well, we could give them..." started Edith, but then was cut off by Isobel

"Not much. I'm determined to defend the library as a recreation room" said Isobel

"Where are we to sit?" questioned Cora

"We can screen off the small library" explained Isobel

"Is that all?" asked Cora, who was getting annoyed

"I suppose we..." started Edith, before she was interrupted by Isobel, again

"Well, we could leave you the boudoir. I wanted to put the intermediaries in there, but we don't have to" explained Isobel, again

"How kind" said Cora with a fake smile

"Why will we only have officers? Surely all wounded men need to convalesce" said Sybil as she carried a bed frame, she was closely followed by Florence and Dr Clarkson. Florence saw Tom assembling beds and smiled at him, he sent her a smile back.

"The hospital is for officers, and the whole idea is to have a complimentary convalescent home" explained Dr Clarkson

"Of course, but I don't know if we can make that an absolute rule" tried to reason Florence, she was now stood talking and managed to stand next to Tom.

"If the world were logical, I would rather agree with you" reasoned Isobel

"Which comes as no surprise" sniggered Violet as she appeared and stood in the door frame

"You would not, I imagine" remarked Isobel back

"You imagine right. What these men will need is rest and relaxation. Will that be achieved by mixing ranks and putting everyone on edge?" asked Violet as she went into the hall, the twins followed her.

"Granny" Florence got the attention of her grandmother

"Mm?" hummed Violet in response and turned around to face her two youngest granddaughters

"Different ranks can relax together, it has been known" Florence wanted her grandmother to changer her attitudes

"Well, don't look at me, I'm very good at mixing. We always danced the first waltz at the servants' ball, didn't we, Carson?" Violet didn't get what Florence was on about

"It was an honour, my lady" replied Carson

"It's a lot to ask when people aren't at their best. I'm searching for Lady Mary, Carson. Will you tell her I'm in the library?" ask Violet to Carson. Carson bowed at Violet and went to search for Mary, Isobel then came into the hall.

"Sybil, I want to have a quick word with you" said Isobel. Florence saw Edith standing there looking lost, she felt sorry for her older sister.

*****

Florence was making up hospital beds while Sybil was talking to Isobel. Cora, Mary and Edith entered the ward, it was nearly dinner and they were meant to get changed, Florence was on a night shift so she was going to the hospital after dinner.

"Who'll be in charge?" wondered Cora

"Cousin Isobel thinks it'll be her" remarked Edith