“Thank you, Doctor.” Combeferre sipped his wine, gaze on his plate. Was he expected to apologize for his gaffe? He wasn’t sure, but more than that, begging forgiveness for not properly addressing an earl was not in his nature, Sybil’s father or no.

After a moment, he straightened his shoulders. “And I must credit the facilities.” He offered Doctor Clarkson a polite nod. “Though I fear with so many ill or injured, we will not have the space for all who need for very long.”

“It is a tragedy that so many of our young men suffer in this war,” Doctor Clarkson agreed, and Lord Grantham nodded.

“I only wish there were more we at Downton could do.”

This time, Combeferre at least did not forget the honorific. “I imagine there is much you could do, my lord, with an estate such as this."