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Isabelle Adjani in La Reine Margot (1994)

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Agent Carter S2 was a joy and a delight

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Women in Restoration by Isabella De Maddalena

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Looking back at the early seasons of Bridgerton, Anthony gave his family a lot of grace because the amount of stress they put him under....chile, I would've blown my fuse way earlier than he did. Especially with Violet!

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TIMEZONE REBLOG!

The Second Footman - Valet!SimonRiley and Maid!Reader

The downstairs of Downton Abbey had been filled with an air of awkwardness and continual gossip since the swift introduction of the new valet Mr Riley.

The maids fawned over his air of mystery, while many of the footmen looked at him in disgust and jealousy, muttering he only got the job for being old comrades with his lordship.

You, on the other hand, kept your thoughts to yourself. Perhaps it was the trust of comrades that made Mr Riley perfect for the role. Perhaps the great Earl didn't care about appearances and had empathy for the man. Either way, there had to be a good reason to hire him.

The day moved quickly, transitioning into the evening in full swing. After finishing your duties, you found yourself in the servant's hall, fixing up a loose thread on one of Lady Sybil's old dresses.

'Finally, dinner is served, can take a moment to breathe!' The kitchen maid, Daisy groaned as she stretched. She was the youngest of the staff, a bit naive, but had potential.

'You've been working hard Daisy, hopefully you can put your feet up later,' You said with a smile as the young girl leant in the doorway.

You saw her eyes squint before clearing her throat. 'Mr Riley, what was being in the army like? Did you enjoy it?'

Looking to your right you were shocked to see said man sitting beside you flipping through a tattered journal. When he got there you do not know.

'Grim,' He muttered, muffled through the metal mask, 'Anybody who enjoys something like being apart of war is questionable. But there are some good memories to come from it.'

'I'm sure there are,' You said quietly. He glanced towards you before looking away with a nod.

'Clear the table now Daisy! Servants dinner will be served in twenty minutes!' They heard a loud shout from the kitchens. Mrs Patmore never rests.

Daisy quickly moved towards the table to clear up. 'Mr Riley could you please hand me that tray there?'

The man quickly stood to help, shakily grabbing the tray from where it hung over the table, only for the cutlery that sat atop to go flying, clanging across the floor.

'Dammit!' Mr Riley cursed under his breath.

Putting your sewing to the side you quickly got to your feet, pressing a hand to his arm. 'It's alright, I can help!'

You heard him grumble as you got to your knees picking up the silverware that had fallen. Putting it back on the tray you handed it over to Daisy, you realised Mr Riley had pushed past Gwen who had stood at the door, a vague smirk on her lips before disappearing out of sight.

It wasn't too long before you were called to clear away the dining room upstairs with some of the other maids and footmen. You piled some used plates and cutlery onto a tray and moved towards the pantry, only to stop at the site of first footman Phillip Graves and Gwen.

Graves was an unkind man, constantly looking to gain more in his life at the expense of others. The maids of course took to him at first because of his decent looks but quickly dismissed it for his unkind nature.

Stopping behind the corner, you couldn't help but listen in.

'Her ladyship told his lordship that Mr Riley ought to go,' Gwen said to Graves as he set aside what he was holding, 'She said to me that 'if only his lordship had been content with Phillip he's more appropriate.''

You shook your head to yourself, frowning. Graves and Gwen had always had each other's backs to the point of sabotaging other hard workers within the house.

With a sigh, you moved towards the pantry, the two looking up at the sound of your arrival and moving apart.

'Why are you up here Gwen? Her ladyship won't need you until later this evening.' You asked as you pushed past them both.

The older woman scoffed. 'It's a free country ain't it?'

'And you two decided the pantry would be the best place for your plotting?'

'What's it to you Y/N?' Graves turned towards you. 'You've suddenly swallowed some confidence. Wonder why?'

'Is that the question of the day? Thought you'd have better things to think about Graves. Anyway I'm going down, I'll leave you two to your scheming.

With drinks poured in the drawing room for the family, you found a moment of reprieve outside in the garden, sitting on a bench below the large oak tree that sat not too far from the back entrance.

Looking up at the sky you couldn't help but let your mind drift to the second footman.

John McTavish, or Johnny when Mr Garrick wasn't around. A Scottish fellow that had already been working for Lord Price when you first arrived. Apparently he also had worked alongside his lordship during the war.

Ruggedly handsome, charming and constantly flirting with the maids who giggled and were flustered by him. He never did that with you though, not after you whacked him over the head with a newspaper. But he was very fond and took care of you ever since you first arrived.

He had been away visiting his mother in Scotland who had fallen ill. Surprisingly the Abbey felt strange without him around.

You sighed, looking up into the night, stars twinkling against the cloudless sky. It was so peaceful in the silence away from the hustle and bustle of the house.

'You alright?'

A sharp gasp left you, gripping your chest as you looked around. In a shadowed corner of the garden near the gate, she saw the embers of a cigarette, barely brightening the person's face.

'Is that you Mr Riley?'

A grunt was returned in reply. 'I didn't mean to frighten you, Miss.'

She quickly turned her head away, not wanting to make him uncomfortable, guessing his mask was removed.

'Its okay I just-I thought I was alone. An-And it's Y/N Mr Riley. No formality for a housemaid like me.'

Silence followed your words. He wasn't much of a talker not like other men. But where awkwardness was often found, there was a certain warmth, a safety you felt within his presence.

'I wanted to thank you for your help,' Mr Riley said, a brief pause before he spoke once more, 'I have some shakiness in my hands since the war ... Some days worse than others.'

You couldn't help but feel touched. He didn't need to explain himself to you, nor anyone else.

'Don't worry Mr Riley please, I'm happy to have helped-'

'Lass? That you out back?'

Another familiar voice cut through the night, this time from the other side of the fence. Quickly, you got to your feet, peeking over the top of the gate to see a familiar face.

Opening the gate with a smile, you were suddenly lifted off your feet, giggling as Johnny swung you around with a chuckle.

'What on earth are you doing here Johnny? When did you get back?' You asked when he placed you back down on your feet, taking him in.

His usually short brown hair had grown in the few weeks he had left, face was clean shaven, and though there were shadows under his eyes, he looked his usual happy self.

'Got back just a few hours ago! There were no more taxis at the station so I decided to walk it.'

'Goodness, you must be exhausted! Well, you got back just in time for dinner!'

When you looked back up after taking him in, you saw his gaze was focused past you, an expression of shock on his face.

'Well beat me over dead, that you Lieutenant Riley?'

You turned to see Mr Riley walk out of the shadows, mask now placed back on, cigarette squashed beneath his boot.

'It's been a very long time Sergeant.'

Johnny rushed past you, embracing him. Mr Riley was momentarily shocked, but soon returned the friendly embrace. You couldn't help but look away as if encroaching on such a reunion.

'Had no idea you were gonna be the new valet! Would'a changed my plans to see the look on everyone's faces!' He chortled as he pulled away from Mr Riley.

Johnny turned back to you. 'Apologies lass. Haven't seen 'im since our days in the army!'

You smiled, looking between the two. 'Not at all, please. I'll give you some time to yourselves. Remember dinner will be served soon.'

Beginning to make your way into the house once more, you failed to notice Mr Riley's gaze never falter from you until you disappeared out of sight.

Call of Duty Masterlist Thankfully didn't write this at 2 am again If you have any asks or thoughts about this send them through!

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Trip Up - Valet!SimonRiley and Maid!Reader

The abbey was on alert today. A telegram from the Lord Price's sister stating she would be visiting along with members of the Crawley family who had moved into the village.

This included the new heir to Downton Abbey Matthew Crawley, John's third cousin, who was rumored to marry Lady Mary, John's oldest daughter.

'I can't stand the thought of my only purpose being to marry. To be thrown at every heir to Downton so that the money stays in the family,' Mary said in frustration, putting on her earrings as you did her hair, 'All I want is to be chosen for me any only that.'

You nodded, putting the last of the beaded pins in her hair. She had chosen a lavender skirt with a cream blouse for the day, finished with a simple cardigan.

'It just feels so belittling. What do you think Y/N?' She asked, looking thoughtfully at you through the mirror.

You gave her a gentle smile, 'I agree m'lady. If it were my choice, I would indeed marry for love. It's more important than most things.'

'And of course position. I could never forget that! This new heir is apparently quite middle class and I just won't have that!'

You couldn't help but sigh at her words.

Mary was a kind young and beautiful lady, but at times had a cold heart and hard exterior to protect it, which included a cruel nature to those she despised.

'How is that new valet doing? Mr Riley wasn't it?'

'Oh, he's quite settled in m'lady, now that it has been a few months,' You said as you moved around the room, clearing and folding clothes away to where they belonged, 'I think he's still shaken the staff up but much better than it was previously.'

Mary tapped her perfume to her wrists, saying, 'Thank goodness, I felt terrible for Papa. He talks about Mr Riley like a dear old friend, it would be a shame if he doesn't feel welcome here, even as a valet.'

'Agreed, now I should probably head down. Will that be all m'lady?'

'Yes, thank you Y/N.'

You made your way down to the servants hall, putting away anything that needed cleaning from the daughter's rooms. Before too long, the staff were rounded up at the stairs, Mr Garrick doing final inspections of uniforms before we went up to meet our guests.

'We should go out to greet them all, now be on your best behavior. I'll have nothing less!' Mr Garrick said, the younger staff nodding nervously while others remained silent.

'Remember to not go running off William, I'll need your help with the bags,' Graves muttered to the youngest and newest of the footmen.

Mr Riley who was standing at the base of the stairs turned to him. 'I'm happy to assist you if needed.'

'No need! Don't more mistakes do we Mr Riley?' Graves was quick to quip back. You couldn't help but shake your head, following the other maids up the stairs.

The staff were lined up at the front of the incredibly beautiful house as the cars rolled in one by one through the gates, coming to a halt just in front of the tall double doors.

Lord John pushed forward first, her Ladyship Liliana close behind him to also greet Matthew. From the look of him, he looked like a kind man. Young, blond and blue-eyed just like his mother, Isobel, who followed close behind him. Older, a little grey-haired, but back straight with a smile.

The daughters greeted their aunts happily, while awkwardly greeting the newcomers. After brief chatter was shared amongst the family, they began to move into the house slowly.

Suddenly a scuffle erupted, the maids gasping as your eyes turned to see Mr Riley crash hard onto the pebbled ground, stones flying about messily and, to your horror, his mask.

You glanced up and saw Graves, an ugly smirk on his face as he looked down on the valet, his foot strangely kicked out in place before walking towards the back entrance.

'Riley, are you alright?'

You looked to see John coming to his side, grabbing the mask from the ground and handing it to him. The rest of the family watched on in shock.

'I am my lord, my apologies,' You heard Mr Riley grumble, keeping his face down as he placed his mask back on properly.

When his lordship had turned back to usher his family inside, Johnny, who stood tall at the door awaiting their entry, gave you a nod which you returned.

As the staff quickly dispersed, you went to Mr Riley's side, gently pressing a hand to his shoulder.

'Here, let me help you, Mr Riley,' You quietly said, grabbing his arm and slowly assisting him until he was steadily back on his feet.

You shook off the pebbles and dust caught onto his suit jacket and pants. 'There, much better–'

'Don't!' He suddenly snapped, slapping your hand away.

You gasped, taking a step away. Though his face was covered, there was a deep anger in Mr Riley's eyes that you had never seen before. It almost frightened you.

Mr Riley froze, taking in your change of demeanour. With a sigh, he uttered so quietly you almost missed it, 'Please don't pity me Miss ... I don't need it.'

He pushed past you roughly, his loud footsteps quickly becoming distant against the pebbled walkway as he left you behind.

The day continued as usual except, you noticed very quickly, the distinct absence of Mr Riley for the rest of the day. You had overheard Mr Garrick say he had taken poorly and couldn't continue to work.

Like bees that had caught the honey, the staff buzzed excitedly with the sudden gossip of his possible resignation or firing. Though the staff had calmed down since his arrival, it didn't change their stance that he didn't deserve the job.

It made you furious. Why should a man who had been at the house for a few months be let go just because of a small mishap? Something that wasn't even his fault. Nothing even happened!

Soon drinks for the family were complete after their meal, and dinner was being served in the servant's hall, but there was still no sign of Mr Riley.

After nibbling at your meal and failing to work up an appetite yourself, you found a tray and dished up some stew and some hot bread that had been served.

'What are you doing love?' You looked up to see Mrs Patmore enter the kitchens, clearly having finished her dinner.

'Oh, I was just making up a plate for Mr Riley, him not being well enough to join us. You won't mind Ms Laswell?' You addressed the head housekeeper who had appeared behind Mrs Patmore.

She nodded with a smile, 'Of course, just this once. The poor man has been through enough in one day.'

With a nod, you finished piling up the tray before making your way carefully through the corridors of the attics where the servants lived in and at end of the corridor, a light shone from beneath a door.

Making your way over, you peeked into the room. Through the mirror that hung on the cupboard, you could see sitting on the bed there sat the shaking silhouette of Mr Riley, and in the quiet, the soft sobbing emitted from him.

You couldn't help but feel your heart break at the site. Taking a step back, you cleared your throat. 'Mr Riley? Are you there?'

A shuffle was heard from within the room, footsteps approaching before the door opened to reveal Mr Riley. His eyes were swollen and red, his hair dishevelled and his shoulders tense.

You gave him a reassuring smile. 'I brought some dinner up, in case you were hungry.'

Immediately he deflated at the sight of you, eyes softened as he took in the tray of food neatly placed. 'That's very kind Miss. Even after what I did to you earlier ... you are still so generous.'

'It's nothing really,' You placed the tray in his hands which he placed off to the side, looking back to you.

'But it's the very opposite of nothing. I-I really am sorry for this morning, that was very unkind of me Miss.'

'No need for apologies Mr Riley,' You said, trying to keep your voice steady, 'You've been wronged since you arrived here and I hate to see you like this. Please don't let them drag you down. You are so much stronger than they are.'

He sighed heavily, eyes shying away from yours, leaning against the door frame. 'I hate to admit it ... it's very humiliating. Couldn't stomach any more of it.'

You shook your head firmly, stepping closer to him. 'You shouldn't be made to feel that way. Be proud of being here, John–I mean ... Lord Price chose you to be here for a reason. You've earned your place and you shouldn't have to hide or be ashamed.'

Mr Riley looked down at you, his eyes finally meeting yours and scanning your face. He clearly could see the tears in your eyes and heard the tremble in your voice.

'Why do you do this Miss?'

You were stunned, almost at a loss for words. Couldn't help but get lost in the beauty of his eyes, a thousand words and emotions even in silence. So instead, stepping even closer, chest to chest with him, you carefully reached for his hand. You felt him stiffen beneath your gentle touch momentarily before he allowed you to clasp your hands with his.

'You don't deserve to be treated as such. I don't like to see it,' You said, looking up into his eyes.

Not wanting to encroach on him any longer, you slowly pulled away, unable to hold back a small smile when you felt Mr Riley hold tight to your hand just a little longer before letting it drop from his grip. 

The next morning the servant's hall was busy with the staff filing in, breakfast of hot porridge with honey and buttered toast was served by Daisy and Mrs Patmore.

As Mr Garrick sat down, allowing everyone else to follow suit, Mr Riley appeared at the entrance to the hall and you couldn't help but smile, ignoring the scowl of some of the other staff.

'Ah, Mr Riley!' Ms Laswell greeted as she passed on bowls of porridge down the table, 'Good to see you up and about!'

'Indeed Ms Laswell, can't keep me down too long,' He muttered, looking straight at you as he did.

'That's good to hear, come and get yourself some breakfast we have a busy day ahead of ourselves!'

He nodded, making his way around the table and taking a seat beside you. And as a bowl of porridge was placed in front of you, you felt the fleeting caress of his gloved hand across your own beneath the table.

Call of Duty Masterlist a/n: I'm on a roll I tell you! And I love writing for these two.

@lostintransist @teapartydreams

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stay sick..

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got7_isourname: GOT7

2025.01.20 (MON) 6:00PM (KST)

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Astarion’s simple plan

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The Second Footman - Valet!SimonRiley and Maid!Reader

The downstairs of Downton Abbey had been filled with an air of awkwardness and continual gossip since the swift introduction of the new valet Mr Riley.

The maids fawned over his air of mystery, while many of the footmen looked at him in disgust and jealousy, muttering he only got the job for being old comrades with his lordship.

You, on the other hand, kept your thoughts to yourself. Perhaps it was the trust of comrades that made Mr Riley perfect for the role. Perhaps the great Earl didn't care about appearances and had empathy for the man. Either way, there had to be a good reason to hire him.

The day moved quickly, transitioning into the evening in full swing. After finishing your duties, you found yourself in the servant's hall, fixing up a loose thread on one of Lady Sybil's old dresses.

'Finally, dinner is served, can take a moment to breathe!' The kitchen maid, Daisy groaned as she stretched. She was the youngest of the staff, a bit naive, but had potential.

'You've been working hard Daisy, hopefully you can put your feet up later,' You said with a smile as the young girl leant in the doorway.

You saw her eyes squint before clearing her throat. 'Mr Riley, what was being in the army like? Did you enjoy it?'

Looking to your right you were shocked to see said man sitting beside you flipping through a tattered journal. When he got there you do not know.

'Grim,' He muttered, muffled through the metal mask, 'Anybody who enjoys something like being apart of war is questionable. But there are some good memories to come from it.'

'I'm sure there are,' You said quietly. He glanced towards you before looking away with a nod.

'Clear the table now Daisy! Servants dinner will be served in twenty minutes!' They heard a loud shout from the kitchens. Mrs Patmore never rests.

Daisy quickly moved towards the table to clear up. 'Mr Riley could you please hand me that tray there?'

The man quickly stood to help, shakily grabbing the tray from where it hung over the table, only for the cutlery that sat atop to go flying, clanging across the floor.

'Dammit!' Mr Riley cursed under his breath.

Putting your sewing to the side you quickly got to your feet, pressing a hand to his arm. 'It's alright, I can help!'

You heard him grumble as you got to your knees picking up the silverware that had fallen. Putting it back on the tray you handed it over to Daisy, you realised Mr Riley had pushed past Gwen who had stood at the door, a vague smirk on her lips before disappearing out of sight.

It wasn't too long before you were called to clear away the dining room upstairs with some of the other maids and footmen. You piled some used plates and cutlery onto a tray and moved towards the pantry, only to stop at the site of first footman Phillip Graves and Gwen.

Graves was an unkind man, constantly looking to gain more in his life at the expense of others. The maids of course took to him at first because of his decent looks but quickly dismissed it for his unkind nature.

Stopping behind the corner, you couldn't help but listen in.

'Her ladyship told his lordship that Mr Riley ought to go,' Gwen said to Graves as he set aside what he was holding, 'She said to me that 'if only his lordship had been content with Phillip he's more appropriate.''

You shook your head to yourself, frowning. Graves and Gwen had always had each other's backs to the point of sabotaging other hard workers within the house.

With a sigh, you moved towards the pantry, the two looking up at the sound of your arrival and moving apart.

'Why are you up here Gwen? Her ladyship won't need you until later this evening.' You asked as you pushed past them both.

The older woman scoffed. 'It's a free country ain't it?'

'And you two decided the pantry would be the best place for your plotting?'

'What's it to you Y/N?' Graves turned towards you. 'You've suddenly swallowed some confidence. Wonder why?'

'Is that the question of the day? Thought you'd have better things to think about Graves. Anyway I'm going down, I'll leave you two to your scheming.

With drinks poured in the drawing room for the family, you found a moment of reprieve outside in the garden, sitting on a bench below the large oak tree that sat not too far from the back entrance.

Looking up at the sky you couldn't help but let your mind drift to the second footman.

John McTavish, or Johnny when Mr Garrick wasn't around. A Scottish fellow that had already been working for Lord Price when you first arrived. Apparently he also had worked alongside his lordship during the war.

Ruggedly handsome, charming and constantly flirting with the maids who giggled and were flustered by him. He never did that with you though, not after you whacked him over the head with a newspaper. But he was very fond and took care of you ever since you first arrived.

He had been away visiting his mother in Scotland who had fallen ill. Surprisingly the Abbey felt strange without him around.

You sighed, looking up into the night, stars twinkling against the cloudless sky. It was so peaceful in the silence away from the hustle and bustle of the house.

'You alright?'

A sharp gasp left you, gripping your chest as you looked around. In a shadowed corner of the garden near the gate, she saw the embers of a cigarette, barely brightening the person's face.

'Is that you Mr Riley?'

A grunt was returned in reply. 'I didn't mean to frighten you, Miss.'

She quickly turned her head away, not wanting to make him uncomfortable, guessing his mask was removed.

'Its okay I just-I thought I was alone. An-And it's Y/N Mr Riley. No formality for a housemaid like me.'

Silence followed your words. He wasn't much of a talker not like other men. But where awkwardness was often found, there was a certain warmth, a safety you felt within his presence.

'I wanted to thank you for your help,' Mr Riley said, a brief pause before he spoke once more, 'I have some shakiness in my hands since the war ... Some days worse than others.'

You couldn't help but feel touched. He didn't need to explain himself to you, nor anyone else.

'Don't worry Mr Riley please, I'm happy to have helped-'

'Lass? That you out back?'

Another familiar voice cut through the night, this time from the other side of the fence. Quickly, you got to your feet, peeking over the top of the gate to see a familiar face.

Opening the gate with a smile, you were suddenly lifted off your feet, giggling as Johnny swung you around with a chuckle.

'What on earth are you doing here Johnny? When did you get back?' You asked when he placed you back down on your feet, taking him in.

His usually short brown hair had grown in the few weeks he had left, face was clean shaven, and though there were shadows under his eyes, he looked his usual happy self.

'Got back just a few hours ago! There were no more taxis at the station so I decided to walk it.'

'Goodness, you must be exhausted! Well, you got back just in time for dinner!'

When you looked back up after taking him in, you saw his gaze was focused past you, an expression of shock on his face.

'Well beat me over dead, that you Lieutenant Riley?'

You turned to see Mr Riley walk out of the shadows, mask now placed back on, cigarette squashed beneath his boot.

'It's been a very long time Sergeant.'

Johnny rushed past you, embracing him. Mr Riley was momentarily shocked, but soon returned the friendly embrace. You couldn't help but look away as if encroaching on such a reunion.

'Had no idea you were gonna be the new valet! Would'a changed my plans to see the look on everyone's faces!' He chortled as he pulled away from Mr Riley.

Johnny turned back to you. 'Apologies lass. Haven't seen 'im since our days in the army!'

You smiled, looking between the two. 'Not at all, please. I'll give you some time to yourselves. Remember dinner will be served soon.'

Beginning to make your way into the house once more, you failed to notice Mr Riley's gaze never falter from you until you disappeared out of sight.

Call of Duty Masterlist Thankfully didn't write this at 2 am again If you have any asks or thoughts about this send them through!

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The strength economy is in shambles.

100% Karlach just thinks a deathmatch is a fun friendly time

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THAT one's goin on the list too now!

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Call of Duty Masterlist

Simon Riley

Downton Abbey AU - Valet!SimonRiley x Maid!Reader

Loosely based off of the TV Show of the same name, this is a series about the aristocratic life of Lord Jonathon Price and his family, as well as the servants of Downton Abbey Post World War I. Some parts of the story will include scenes from the show and some that are originally made by me.

First Meeting

The Second Footman

Trip Up

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First Meeting of Valet!SimonRiley and Maid!Reader

Downton Abbey was one of the most well-known houses in England that belonged to aristocrat and war Captain, Lord Johnathon Price. Born in money, and married into even more money to the beautiful Liliana Montel from America. To pay off his father's debts, or that's what the press says anyway. They have three young daughters: Mary, Edith, and Sybil.

But of course, there was more than meets the eye about the great Downton Abbey. It is run by Butler Kyle Garrick, head housekeeper Kate Laswell, and an army of footmen, ladies' maids, housemaids, hallboys, and even more staff!

This included you, Y/N, a housemaid who had worked at the house for over two years. Coming from a middle-class background you were put into work very young, and after many years in and out of service, found yourself working at Downton.

'You have very good references, I can see that. And from the details a very hard worker! I expect you to keep that up when you take your place here at Downton Abbey.' You remembered Ms Laswell saying sternly, but with a small smile at the end of her interview.

You had just finished making the beds up for the three sisters with some of the other housemaids, making your way down through the servant's walkways to put the sheets in the laundry.

However on the way down, at the bottom of the staircase, a stranger stood with a briefcase in hand.

A tall, broad man dressed from top to bottom in black, a thick overcoat over a suit, shoes polished and shining the daylight that poured through the windows. What was more intriguing was the mask he wore over the bottom half of his face, seemingly made of metal. And then there were his eyes, a piercing electrified blue, like when lightning strikes a storming sky.

'Who are you?' Gwen, lady's maid to her ladyship, asked suddenly appearing at your side. A blunt woman, not very friendly to any of the other staff. Well, except for first footman Phillip Graves, they were as thick as thieves.

The stranger's eyes moved from her to you, silently taking you both in, as if analysing who you were.

'Mr Riley, I'm the new valet.' The soft but deep rumbling of his voice caught you off guard momentarily.

'The new valet?' The lady's maid gawked, barely holding her scoff back.

You couldn't couldn't help but glance at her in annoyance. From tone alone, she could tell Gwen was already casting judgment upon the man. In society, valets were known as 'a gentleman's gentleman', smart, and even good-looking. Rather than that, there were sure to be stares of ridicule due to the mask.

When no one else spoke, you plucked up the courage, folding the bedding under one arm before reaching out to him. 'I'm Y/N, the head housemaid.'

It was as if he was stunned at the sight of your reached-out hand, looking between your face to your hand. Just as you reconsidered your greeting, he took your hand into his grasp, shaking it with a gentle, almost careful grip.

'How do you do?'

You gave him a smile before pulling away, nodding to the door on your right. 'If you just go through this door the housekeeper Ms Laswell will take care of you.'

He nodded, 'Thank you.'

Picking up his suitcase, he steps past the other ladies, taking one more look at you, his eyes almost speaking a thousand words before disappearing out of sight.

Throughout the day you heard mutterings from the staff.

'What is with the mask?'

'Who thought to hire him?!'

'Surely there was someone else more suitable for the job ...'

They all loved gossip, but also a good jealous rant about not getting the position themselves. You found they could sometimes be so cruel.

Later that day at luncheon, Mr Garrick lectured the new valet about his new role in front of the whole staff.

'If you find yourself tongue-tied in the presence of His Lordship, I can only assure you that his patience will allow you to perform your duties correctly!' He stated as he sat himself at the head of the dining table.

'Of course,' Mr Riley quietly replied.

'Riley! My dear fellow!' The familiar bellow had all the staff on their feet.

Lord Price stood at the entrance to the servant's dining hall. He was dressed in his usual day attire of a suit, casual, but smart. It wasn't often his lordship made his way into the downstairs area of the house.

'My apologies I should have realised you were all having luncheon! Please sit!' He said as he walked around the table, moving to Mr Riley's side. 'But I just had to greet my old comrade in arms.'

The Butler's head snapped up, and an immediate silence fell over the table, all eyes moving to the men who clasped hands, John smiling towards the valet as they muttered greetings to one another. It wasn't too long before John left, not without apologising once more for his disturbance.

When silence remained, Mr Riley looked around, and you couldn't help but chuckle to yourself as he said. 'Well ... none of you ever asked.'

Call of Duty Masterlist I wrote this at 2am don't judge me bahahah.

I decided to keep the name of the home Downton Abbey (Had no idea what else to call it but if anyone comes up with anything please feel free to send it through!) Also kept the daughter's names the same as the show because I'm lazy lol. And if you any more ideas about this story please feel free to send them through!

[letaliabane]

I am so excited for this film!!!!!