I decided on doing another Upstairs Downstairs as I'm missing the show. This first chapter is more of an introduction but it will start to pick up more in the second chapter with Blanche.

Upstairs Downstairs: For Better and for Love

Chapter 1

Working for St John's Ambulance had proven to become quite demanding for Lady Agnes during the first few days of the Second World War. More worryingly fighting had broken out amongst Britain's finest and promising soldiers. Everyone that worked for St John's were all clearly worried that Germany might invade Britain sooner rather than later and leave a far more greater line of destruction in their wake. The Inspector in charge, Alfred Graham, a mature man in his early 60's was a persistent and pushy man and he wasn't helping matters furthermore when he overlooked the concerns for safety of younger volunteers.

Irene Burrows, who had become good friends with Agnes after helping her out on her first day, spoke out with complete sincerity. She was half Welsh/Lancastrian and a compassionate woman. "Oh those brave lads fighting for our country, they must be nervous waiting to hear when they'll be called up onto the front-line not knowing what this war will be like.. however I must say this... god bless their souls and let's hope they'll be okay" Some of the other workers thought she seemed to speak more eccentrically. She couldn't help the way she spoke, in spite of everything she was missing her only son Philip Burrows, who had been officially called up for war three months ago.

"That was a lovely speech Irene. How long has Philip been training with the army now?" Agnes asked her, she could tell her friend missed her son.

"Oh..It feels rather like it's been longer...he's been away three months, still writes to me from the training academy he's in. Although I reassured him I'll be okay being at home and working for the St John's Ambulance, I can't help but still feel worried for him Agnes. I know I shouldn't but I guess that's what every mother or woman will be doing throughout the UK while their sons and husbands fight for our country." Irene wiped a tear away with her handkerchief.

A few minutes later, Alfred wearing an old fashioned hat quietly arrived in the waiting area, his presence was still clearly acknowledged by everyone within the room as they promptly ended some of their conversations. He was clutching a clipboard and was well equipped with other small unidentified items in both of his coat pockets.

"Right...Mary and Harriet Schofield I would like you both to visit the Pinehurst school in Highbury Road to hand out leaflets to people on safety and health. Irene Burrows and Agnes Holland seeing as the both have now passed your trainee first Aid assessment, I would like you both to stay here and treat anyone who comes to us with any worries of minor injuries." Alfred moved onto address the other workers. Irene was shaking her head unimpressively.

"He doesn't think me and you Agnes are qualified enough to attend to calls out. I'm not going to be treated like a failure by a clipboard carrying buffoon" Irene didn't want to be treated inaccurately and was determined to prove she was quite the loyal worker she claimed to be.

"Alfred's obviously respecting everyone else. I understand he's following the right orders and taking firm responsibility in doing his job the way he believes he should be but it's certainly obvious he doesn't like us very much" Agnes wondered whether this man might be more of a reserved individual and only socialized with struggling and uneducated volunteers.

End of Chapter

All Reviews are welcome