Risk It All - Tom Branson/Downton Abbey

Matthew and William

Florence had been asleep, until she was shaken awake by Sybil. Mr Molesley had arrived in the middle of the night with some important news, and Robert had instructed that everyone should be woken up to hear the news. Although Florence was a morning person, she didn't appreciate being shaken awake, even if it was by her twin. Florence got out of her bed and followed her family to the library.

"I didn't know what else to do when I saw the telegram. I knew it was urgent. So, I hope it was right" explained Mr Molesley, who was nearly shaking with worry about Matthew

"Quite right. Mrs Crawley won't mind me opening it. The main thing is, he's not dead. Not yet, anyway. We have patched him up. They're bringing him to the hospital in Downton." explained Robert, he was also worried about Matthew, everyone was. Florence looked towards Mary, she was almost in a trance.

"When do they think he'll get here?" asked Cora

"It doesn't say" replied Robert

"But how do we contact Isobel? And how will she get back?" wondered Cora, she knew that Isobel needed to be here for her son

"One thing at a time. I'll ring the war office in the morning" tried to reassure Robert

"Maybe they know she's out there. Perhaps she's with him now" Cora was trying to make sense of the situation

"They wouldn't have sent a telegram here, and she'd have rung. No, it's the usual bulls...usual mess up, I'm afraid" explained Robert as Carson entered the room

"Ahem. Beg pardon, my lord. But we're all very anxious to know the news" said Carson

"Yes, of course" replied Robert as he went to the door where the servants were gathered "It appears that a few days ago, Captain Crawley was wounded. It's serious, I'm afraid, but he's alive and on his way home to the hospital in the village". The family could still hear the conversation that was taking place.

"Where there's life, there's hope" reassured Mrs Hughes

"What about William? Is he all right?" asked Daisy

"I'll find out what I can tomorrow. I'm not sure there's much more we can do tonight" said Robert

"William's father would have had a telegram if anything had happened" remembered Mr Bates

"I'll drive over in the morning" announced Edith. Robert then nodded to Carson as every, but Mary, went back to bed.

*****

The day that Matthew was arriving at Downton Cottage Hospital had soon arrived. Mary had already gone to the hospital to see Matthew arrive, along with Sybil and Florence was about to go. She had gone to ask Tom to drive her down.

"Can you drive me to the hospital?" Florence asked Tom

"Aren't you needed here? I've already taken Lady Mary and Lady Sybil down" responded Tom, in a way he was worried that Florence was doing too much

"I know. I want to be with them when Captain Crawley arrives. They can manage without me here for a while" explained Florence, Tom gave a small smile to her

"Is she still in love with him?" wondered Tom. Florence knew he meant Mary

"I don't want to talk about it" sighed Florence

"Why? Because I'm the chauffeur?" chucked Tom, Florence just looked at him

"No, because she's my sister" responded Florence

"Sorry. Do you think Matthew will be alright?" asked Tom as he moved closed to Florence

"Hopefully. I'm worried about Mary though, I won't go into details, but I am. I'm just glad that you didn't have to fight in the end" admitted Florence. Tom ,who was now stood in front of Florence, gave her a sweet and reassuring kiss.