Cora comes out of the library to find Clarkson in a chair.
CORA: You don’t have to wait out here.
CLARKSON: I’m trying to find the nerve to go upstairs. Sir Philip is quite a formidable opponent.
CORA: If there is something you want to say, then please say it.
CLARKSON: I will, because we must act quickly. But I have no wish to alarm you.
CORA: You have failed in that, as I am already alarmed, so tell me.
34 INT. SYBIL’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Branson sits by the bed, holding his wife’s hand.
BRANSON: I’ve been thinking about what we should do. You know I’ve a brother in Liverpool and there might be an opening there. It’d mean working with cars again —
SYBIL: No. We’re not going backwards. You must promise me that.27
Before he can, she has another contraction.
BRANSON: God. I wish there was something I could do.
SYBIL: Just be here. You don’t have to talk, you know… We can just lie back and look at the stars.
This is an odd thing to say. Branson looks around.
BRANSON: Is she…?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: It’s all just as it should be.
The door opens and Anna comes in with the milk, followed by Cora and Clarkson. Sir Philip rolls his eyes.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL (CONT’D): Now what?
CLARKSON: I want to test the latest sample of her urine.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Oh, for heaven’s sake —
CORA: Just give the order to the nurse, please, Sir Philip.
Clarkson walks over to the bed.
CLARKSON: How’s the young mother doing?
SYBIL: Am I on duty, Doctor Clarkson?
CLARKSON: What?
SYBIL: Only, I swear I’m not on duty, otherwise I wouldn’t be lying here.
CLARKSON: No. No, you’re not on duty.
35 INT. CARSON’S PANTRY. NIGHT.
Molesley, Mrs Hughes and Carson are together.
CARSON: Mrs Crawley has hired a prostitute to manage her house?
MOLESLEY: And that’s why Mrs Bird felt she had no choice but to hand in her notice.
CARSON: Nor did she, poor woman.
MRS HUGHES: But Mr Carson, this is Ethel we’re talking about. Our Ethel. And Mrs Crawley was just trying to give her a helping hand. Is that so wrong?
CARSON: I do not criticise her for her charity, but she hasn’t considered her actions. No respectable person, certainly no respectable woman, can now be seen entering her house.
MRS HUGHES: But Ethel’s given all that up —
CARSON: I didn’t think she was running a brothel in Mrs Crawley’s kitchen!
MRS HUGHES: Doesn’t it make a difference?
CARSON: Before you accuse me of hypocrisy and cant, I ask you this: would you invite an ex-prostitute to come here? To live and work alongside the other maids?
Mrs Hughes is unable to say that she would.
CARSON (CONT’D): Right. Thank you. So, the question is, what should we do about it?
MRS HUGHES: Can’t we say nothing for now? Mrs Bird’s gone and I doubt Mrs Crawley can find someone to replace her —
CARSON: I should hope not.
MRS HUGHES: I don’t remember Ethel as any great cook, so it may sort itself out.
CARSON: Very well. We shall keep silent for the moment. But I don’t want the maids going into that house on any pretext whatsoever. Is that clear?
MOLESLEY: Quite clear, Mr Carson.
A horrible thought strikes Carson.
CARSON: Or the footmen.28
36 INT. LIBRARY. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
There is a row in progress here, too. Branson is not present.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: I’m sorry, but I find this interference unprofessional and verging on insolent —
CLARKSON: Insolent! May I remind you I have known this young woman since she learned to walk, while you first met her… what? A month ago? Two?
ROBERT: Gentlemen, please! Must we fall out?
CLARKSON: It’s my belief that Lady Sybil is at risk of eclampsia —29
ROBERT: What is that?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: A rare condition from which she is not suffering!
CORA: Tell him why you think she may be.
CLARKSON: Her baby is small, her ankles are swollen, she’s confused and there is far too much albumin, that is protein, in her urine —
ROBERT: Doctor Clarkson, please! Have you forgotten my mother is present?
VIOLET: Peace. A woman of my age can face reality far better than most men.
CLARKSON: Look, the fact remains, if I am right, we must act at once!
MARY: And do what?
CLARKSON: Get her down to the hospital and deliver the child by caesarean section.
MATTHEW: But is that safe?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: It is the opposite of safe! It would expose mother and child to untold dangers! She could pick up any kind of infection in a public hospital!
CLARKSON: An immediate delivery is the only chance of avoiding the fits that are brought on by the trauma of natural birth. It may not work, but —
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Honesty at last! Even if she were at risk from eclampsia, which she is not, a caesarean is a gamble, which might kill either or both of them!
Robert is in agony. At last he looks at his wife.
ROBERT: I think we must support Sir Philip in this.
MARY: But it’s not our decision! What does Tom say?
ROBERT: Tom has not hired Sir Philip. He is not master here, and I will not put Sybil at risk on a whim. If you are sure, Sir Philip?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: I am quite, quite certain.
CORA: You’re being ridiculous. Obviously, we have to talk to Tom.
Robert is shocked. He looks at his mother for support.
VIOLET: Don’t look at me. Cora is right. The decision lies with the chauffeur.
37 INT. KITCHEN PASSAGE. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Anna is on her way downstairs. Mrs Hughes sees her.
MRS HUGHES: How are things going?
ANNA: I’m not sure. The doctors are arguing, and that’s never a good sign.
Carson has heard Anna’s voice and now he appears.
CARSON: Is everything all right?
MRS HUGHES: Unfortunately, it seems it is not.
38 INT. BEDROOM PASSAGE. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Branson is with the doctors, Robert and everyone else.
BRANSON: Could we get her to the hospital?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: To move her now would be tantamount to murder.
CLARKSON: Sir Philip, admit it. You are beginning to detect the symptoms yourself. You can see her distress.
CORA: Can you?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Yes, Lady Sybil is in distress. She’s about to give birth.
CLARKSON: Lord Grantham, Mr Branson, time is running out. We should be at the hospital by now. If we’d acted at once, the baby would be born.
BRANSON: But if she has the operation now, do you swear you can save her?
CLARKSON: I cannot swear it, no. But if we do not operate and if I am right about her condition, then she will die.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: If, if, if, if! Lord Grantham, can you please take command?
ROBERT: Tom, Doctor Clarkson is not sure he can save her. Sir Philip is certain he can bring her through it with a living child. Isn’t a certainty stronger than a doubt?
CORA: Robert, I don’t mean to insult Sir Philip, but Doctor Clarkson knows Sybil. He’s known her all her life!
BRANSON: So you’d take her to the hospital?
CORA: I would have taken her an hour ago!
We hear Sybil’s screams.
BRANSON: God help us.
A nurse opens the door. Branson runs into the room and the others follow, while a worried Robert and Matthew remain. Clarkson looks at the others.
CLARKSON: I’m afraid we’ve left it too long.
39 INT. DRAWING ROOM. CRAWLEY HOUSE.
NIGHT.
Isobel is writing as Ethel brings in a hot drink on a tray.
ETHEL: Any news from the house, ma’am?
ISOBEL: Not yet. Matthew said he would try and telephone if it’s not too late.
ETHEL: Lady Sybil was always kind to me.
ISOBEL: Yes, she’s a very dear girl.
She takes a sip of the drink and recoils slightly.
ISOBEL (CONT’D): What… What’s in this?
ETHEL: Some honey. Was that not right?
ISOBEL: It’s perfectly fine for now, Ethel. But perhaps not another time.
She returns to her work. Ethel sighs and goes out.30
40 INT. KITCHENS/PASSAGE. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Ivy is finishing up. The two footmen are there.
ALFRED: But if you want to be a cook, does that mean you’ll never marry?
IVY: Why should it?
JIMMY: None of the cooks in the important houses are married.
IVY: Then why are they all called ‘Mrs’?
JIMMY: It’s the title for the job.
IVY: I like the sound of that.
DAISY: Don’t you two ever get bored with clogging up the kitchen?
She is standing in the doorway.
IVY: I’ve finished now, honest.
DAISY: Then go to bed.
MRS PATMORE: No. Run along to the servants’ hall. I’ll make some cocoa.
The three young ones do as they are told. Mrs Patmore talks as she gets out the milk and puts it on to heat.
MRS PATMORE (CONT’D): There’s quite a few will stay up till we know the baby’s safe.
DAISY: I s’pose.
MRS PATMORE: Daisy, there’s nothing wrong with one-sided loving. You should know that if anyone does… It’s not Alfred’s fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not Ivy’s fault.
DAISY: But the way she flirts —
MRS PATMORE: She’s young and she’s away from home. Anyway, I don’t believe she’s any more successful than you are.
DAISY: No? When Alfred follows her round with a face like a Bassett hound?
MRS PATMORE: Who says she cares about Alfred?31
41 INT. LIBRARY. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Violet, Branson, Robert and Matthew are together.
ROBERT: Would you like anything, Mama?
VIOLET: Oh, no. Just good news of the baby and a car to take me home. I don’t suppose I shall get either before long.
ROBERT: What about you, Tom?
BRANSON: I just feel so helpless.
MATTHEW: We men are always helpless when a baby’s in the picture.32
Mary opens the door, smiling. They jump to their feet.
MARY: You can come up. It’s a girl.
BRANSON: And they’re both…?
MARY: They’re fine.
VIOLET: Oh, thank God and hallelujah.
Branson pushes past her and runs to the stairs.
42 INT. SYBIL’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Sybil, tired, has been tidied up. She holds the baby. Cora is in there with Edith, Mary and Sir Philip. Branson clasps her hand.
SYBIL: Have you seen her?
BRANSON: She’s so beautiful. Oh, my darling. I do love you so much.
SYBIL: I just want to sleep, really.
CORA: Of course you do. You’ve earned it. She’s a wonderful baby. Well done.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: I think we should let her sleep.
A nurse steps forward to take the child as Branson goes, shaking Sir Philip’s hand on the way.
SIR PHILP TAPSELL: Well done.
BRANSON: Thank you.
SYBIL: Mama.
CORA: Yes, my darling?
Cora returns to her chair by the bed. Sybil lowers her voice.
SYBIL: Tom is thinking of getting a job in Liverpool, going back to being a mechanic. But it wouldn’t be right for him. He needs to move forward.
CORA: We’ll talk about it tomorrow. We don’t need to worry about it now.
SYBIL: I think Papa may see it as some kind of answer. And if he —
CORA: Your father loves you very much.
SYBIL: I know. I know. And I love him terribly, but will you help me do battle for Tom and the baby if the time comes?
CORA: Of course.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Lady Grantham?
CORA: Now sleep, darling.
Cora kisses her finger, lays it on Sybil’s lips and stands.
43 INT. BEDROOM PASSAGE. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Clarkson is outside with Branson, Robert and Matthew when Cora comes out with Sir Philip. Robert smiles at his wife and they kiss.
ROBERT: All’s well that ends well.
CORA: I’m sorry we doubted.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: As to that, Lady Grantham, it’s always a good idea to forget most of what was said during the waiting time, and simply enjoy the result.
MARY: Is there anything more to be done?
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Not really. The nurse will stay with her, and so I suggest we all get some sleep and meet again, refreshed, in the morning.
ROBERT: What about you, Doctor Clarkson?
EDITH: Shall I run you home? I don’t mind.
CLARKSON: No. If it’s all right, I’d like to stay up for a while longer. Just to make sure everything is well.
Sir Philip rolls his eyes at Robert.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: There’s no reason to.
CLARKSON: I’d like it.
CORA: Then I shall ask them to make you comfortable.
Which settles the matter.33
44 INT. SERVANTS’ HALL. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Most of them are still up, drinking cocoa. O’Brien watches Thomas with Jimmy.
THOMAS: Show us a card trick, Jimmy.
Carson arrives.
CARSON: That’s it. The baby is born. It’s a girl. Now you can all go to bed.
Thomas and Jimmy stand.
THOMAS: Good news.
JIMMY: Do you like Lady Sybil?
THOMAS: I do. We worked together in the hospital during the war, so I know her better than all of them, really. She’s a lovely person. Like you.
He drops his voice and takes Jimmy’s shoulder, sliding his hand down the younger man’s arm. He breaks away and walks off. Jimmy is disturbed. O’Brien is watching him.34
O’BRIEN: Anything the matter?
JIMMY: No… No… But Mr Barrow’s so… familiar all the time, isn’t he?
O’BRIEN: I’m glad to hear it. That’s a very good sign. If he’s taken to you, he’ll definitely put in a good word with his lordship.
JIMMY: ’Cos I’d like to tell him to keep his distance.
O’BRIEN: Do you want to get your marching orders, then? Why? What are you implying? Nothing unseemly, I hope.
JIMMY: No. No. Nothing like that. G’night.
O’Brien watches the troubled young man walk away. And smiles.35
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
45 INT. CORA’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
Mary runs into the room. She shakes her sleeping mother.
MARY: Mama, Mama! Wake up and come quickly! It’s Sybil!
Now Robert is awake. He and Cora share a terrified glance.36
46 INT. SYBIL’S BEDROOM. DOWNTON. NIGHT.
When Mary hurries in, Sybil is pouring with sweat and tossing about. Branson, in pyjamas, is trying to calm her. Matthew is silent, standing with Edith. Clarkson is still dressed and Sir Philip is in a dressing gown, his hand over his mouth, as the nurses also look on.
SYBIL: I should be — I should be getting up! I should be up!
BRANSON: Darling? Can you hear me, darling? It’s Tom!
SYBIL: I’m needed on the wards! I’m a nurse! I should be — help — busy! Help! I have to get back to the wards!
BRANSON: No, darling. All you need to do is rest.
MARY: Sybil…
SYBIL: My head… My head… hurts so! It’s splitting!
MARY: Sybil… Let me bathe your forehead.
SYBIL: It hurts so! It h
urts so!
Mary kneels but Sybil won’t lie still. She’s going into a fit.
BRANSON: Oh God, oh God. God, God — no! No!37
Now Cora comes running in, followed by Robert.
ROBERT: What’s happening? What the hell is happening? Sir Philip?
MARY: Sybil? She can’t hear me. Sybil? Sybil? It’s Mary. Can you hear me?
Tapsell is in hell. He stumbles forward.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: It looks as if… I’m afraid it very much looks as if…
CORA: It looks as if what!
CLARKSON: This is eclampsia.
Sybil is threshing around wildly while Branson and Mary try to calm her. She’s choking now, as she flings out her arms, spilling flowers, water jugs and everything else. As the doctors and Robert talk, we hear the others in the background, Branson, Mary, Matthew, Edith desperately trying to help. ‘Shall I fetch some water?’ ‘Open the window!’ ‘Darling, please! Wake up! It’s me! It’s me!’ ‘Listen to me, my darling! Just breathe! That’s all. Breathe!’ And so on…
ROBERT: But it cannot be? Sir Philip? You were so sure.
MATTHEW: Somebody do something!
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: Human life is unpredictable.
ROBERT: But you were so sure!
CORA: What can we do?
BRANSON: Help her! Help her! Please… Oh God, no.
EDITH: Dr Clarkson, should we take her to the hospital? Shall I get the car?
She has broken away from the others, desperate to help. But the doctors both know what will happen next.
CLARKSON: There is nothing that can be done.
MATTHEW: That’s not possible! Not now, not these days!
CLARKSON: Once the seizures have started, there’s nothing to be done.
ROBERT: But you don’t agree with him, do you, Sir Philip? Of course there’s something!
Even for him, the time has come to stop lying.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: I’m very sorry.
BRANSON: Please don’t leave me. Help her! Help her, please! What’s happening?
MARY: She can’t breathe.
BRANSON: Please, please. Just breathe. Oh, God. Oh, no. Wake up, my darling! Wake up! I beg you to wake up!
ROBERT: There has to be something worth trying at least!
BRANSON: Come on, come on, breathe, love. Listen, it’s me, my darling. All you have to do is breathe, right now.
SIR PHILIP TAPSELL: We’ve given her morphine, and atropine…
Cora and Branson are by Sybil now, both of them frantic, shaking Sybil and imploring her to wake up.
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