𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐲- 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐲

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝟐- 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟓

~A few months later~

I was sleeping when suddenly I felt someone shake me awake. It was Sybil.

    "What? Sybil what's happening?"

    "Come, let's go downstairs Papa will explain everything." I couldn't help but shake, knowing it was some sort of bad news about Matthew.

~Library~
As Sybil and I walk into the library I see the rest of my family there.

    "What is it, what's wrong, is it Matthew?" I ask quickly and scared. Sybil just grabs my hand and pulls me towards her.

    "Mr. Molseley got a telegram about Matthew and William, The main thing is, he's not dead. Not yet, anyway. They say: "We have patched him up. They're bringing him to the hospital in Downton."" Papa tells us all. I started to cry. I couldn't hold it in anymore, my face as white as a ghost.

    "When do they think he'll get here?" Mama asks.
    "It doesn't say." 

    "But how do we contact Isobel? And how will she get back?"

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

    "Maybe they know she's out there. Perhaps she's with him now."

    "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." Carson and all the rest of the servants come up and also want to know what's going on. I didn't really listen to the rest of the conversation but I came back once everyone left the room leaving me and Papa.

    "Whatever you discover, tell me. Don't keep anything back." I tell him with sad eyes. He then kisses my cheek and I head back to my room.

~Next day~
Currently I was packing a small bag to head down to the hospital to see Matthew when Papa came into the room.

    "Darling, are you alright, Sybil told me you barely slept last night." I then look at him and shake my head no as tears begin to well up in my eyes.

    "I can't-I can't live without him, I don't know what I'll do, I mean we haven't even got m-married or have had children, oh P-Papa..." I then cover my face with my hand. He immediately goes up and hugs me.
    "It will be alright Lizzie, both of you will." I then look up from his shoulder and give him a small smile. "The car is ready whenever you are."

    "Thank you, Papa." I go outside and Mary quickly comes outside and says she wants to accompany me in my visit and says it's better if I go with someone in case something happens.

~Hospital~
Mary and I go inside the hospital and see Sybil near a bed. I quickly walked over to her.

    "How bad is it, Sybil?" She takes my hand.

    "I just finished washing him." I nod.

    "Is he alright, how bad are his injuries?"

"Probably Spinal damage."  I look at my feet sadly. She then hands me the little stuffed lion he gave me at the fair.

"This fell out of his coat when he was moved."

"Thank you," I told her, "Can I see him?"

"Lizzie, it may be a little bit distressing for you."

"Sybil, I need to see him." She nods her head and leads me over to her bed. Sybil and Mary leave me alone as I go to sit in the chair.

"Oh Matthew..." I whisper sadly, "Can you hear me, my darling?" He doesn't respond and tears stream down my face. I grab his bruised hand. "Once this is all over we'll get married...ok?" Soon enough I feel a small pressure on my hand, its Matthew holding it in his own.

"My love, I promised you." He softly smiles with his eyes closed. I gasp slightly and look at him with tears. Dr. Clarkson then comes in shortly and begins the examination on Matthew. A little bit after I walk out from behind the curtains to see Papa and Mary standing there.

"Do they know any more yet?" Mary asks.

"They're examining him now." I tell them.

"So he's conscious?"
"Just about."

"Have they found out what happened?" Papa then asks.

"A shell landed near them. The explosion threw Matthew against something."

"Go on."

"Dr Clarkson thinks...there may be trouble with his legs." I say sadly.

~Next day~
I then go back to the hospital later that day to see Matthew.

    "How are you?" I ask him as I go to sit down on the chair next to the bed.

    "Darling, I have something to tell you," I furrow my brows which tells him to continue talking, "Due to my spinal injury, I won't be able to walk again."
    "I know, Dr. Clarkson told me." I was still confused.

    "But the thing is... I can't father children because of it," he sighs and I grab his hand, "You deserve to be a mother and raise children, you deserve someone who is capable of providing you that..." I quickly shake my head no.

    "No, no," I made him look me in the eye. "No matter what happens, we will face it together, children or not, I just want you." I smile and he smiles back.

Later that day I heard the news about William. All I could think about was the good and help he has brought me, he brought back my love, and all I just wish I could've repaid him by sparing his life.