I should hate to be predictable

sometimes i feel as if i were living in an h.g wells novel.

i said you could go get a drink of water, not a trip up the nile. 

you are quite wonderful the way you see room for improvement wherever you look.

i know it’s not ladylike to say so, but i’m not a lady and i don’t pretend to be.

at least i’m not fishing with no bait. 

i’m not a romantic, but even i concede that the heart does not exist solely for the purpose to pump blood.

i’ve never been special to anyone. 

well, now you’re special to me. 

you are being tested. and you know what they say, my darling: being tested only makes you stronger. 

seems a pity to miss such a good pudding. 

i am not a complete stranger to romance, if that’s what your implying. 

how you hate to be wrong. 

your strength has made me strong. 

you can always hold my hand if you need to feel steady. 

sympathy butters no parsnips. 

there is nothing more ill-bred than trying to steal the affections of one’s dog.

we must always travel in hope.

my dear boy. my very dear boy. 

you know me… never complain, never explain. 

love is like riding or speaking french: if you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.

real love means giving someone the power to hurt you. 

meaning well is not enough. 

nothing makes you hungrier or more tired than grief.

you’re nervous because you’re intelligent; only stupid people are foolhardy.

i’ve decided to live in the present and not spend my life regretting the past or dreading the future.

you are stronger than you think. 

aren’t we the lucky ones to be loved. 

stop whining and find something to do. 

if you can’t say anything helpful, please stay quiet. 

[name] is lovely in every way. he’s funny and handsome and he’s got such lovely teeth. 

now listen, you filthy little rat. 

if you don’t lay off, i’ll punch your shining teeth through the back of your skull. 

you never disappoint. 

all my life i’ve been pushed around just because i’m different. 

what’s the matter with everyone this merry morn?

it’s not against the law to hope, is it?

next time, ask your uncle [name].

don’t do anything i wouldn’t do. 

and you’re wrong about me. i mind what people say. 

you are my darling daughter and i love you. 

hello, my dearest little chap. 

there’s more true goodness in him than i give him credit for.

i was cheering him up. 

remember i will always be your friend wherever i am.

do you ever wonder why people dislike you so much? it’s because you are sly and oily and smug.

i am not the same as you, but i am not foul.

in my life, i can tell you, not many have been kind to me. 

there are times i’d like to belong. does that sound funny?

you won’t let me be fond of you, will you? no matter what i do. 

i think it shows you to be a very brave person. 

it feels good. just to be two blokes, having a chat, not trying to fit in for once. 

we all need a special friend from time to time. 

downton abbey  season 2  sentence starters   change tenses/pronouns as needed !!  some lines have been edited for clarity / length / ease of roleplaying tw :   war ,  death

‘war makes early risers of us all.’

‘I hate greek drama. where everything happens off stage.’

‘sometimes, it feels as if all the men I’ve ever danced with are dead.’

‘I just feel so useless. wasting my life while they sacrifice theirs.’ 

‘I want the best and I’m not ashamed to admit it.’ 

‘you know, the thing is … I just can’t talk about it.’ 

‘things are changing. for her lot and ours. and when they do, I mean to make the most of it.’

‘in my whole life, I never thought I could be as happy as I am at this moment.’ 

‘I wanted to give you this. it’s my lucky charm. I’ve had it always. so you must promise to bring it back, without a scratch.’

‘I’ll try not to be a hero, if that’s what you’re afraid of.’ 

‘I tried it on my own and I don’t like it.’ 

‘I assume that’s loyalty, not ignorance.’

‘in case you’re wondering, whatever my future plans may be, they all involve you.’ 

‘I know you. you’re doing something gallant here.’

‘the only ruin I recognize is to be without you.’  

‘it’s a big step you’re taking, but war deals out strange tasks.’ 

‘flattered is a word posh people use when they’re getting ready to say no.’

‘if a bullet’s got your name on it, there’s nothing more you can do.’

‘war has a way of distinguishing the things that matter, and the things that don’t.’

‘the truth is neither here nor there, it’s the look of the thing that matters.’

‘there’s room for sentiment but not sentimentality.’ 

‘a broken heart can be as painful as a broken limb.’ 

‘I know what real love is, and there aren’t many who can say that. I’m one of the lucky ones.’ 

‘you’ll find there’s never a dull moment in this house.’ 

‘I don’t think you’re a fool, isn’t that enough?’ 

‘I am not a romantic. but even I will concede that the heart does not exists solely for the purpose of pumping blood.’ 

‘you’re not a victim. don’t let them make you into one.’

‘I think you regret being honest less often than you regret telling lies.’ 

‘we’re strong and sharp, and we can build something worth having, you and I, if you’ll let us.’ 

‘we cannot know the truth. we should not judge.’ 

‘it’s doing nothing that’s the enemy.’ 

‘we can’t leave all the moral high ground to (name). she might get lonely up there.’ 

‘she’s an obstacle to your happiness and must be removed. when it’s done, you can feel as sorry as you wish.’ 

‘I don’t know if I dreaded this moment or longed for it.’ 

‘I think I would love you, however, whatever, whenever.’

‘I know you, (name), and I love you and that is not the right path for you.’

‘we’ve dreamed a dream, but now it’s over.’ 

‘war breaks down barriers, and when peacetime re-erects them, it’s very easy to find oneself on the wrong side.’ 

‘I’m a woman. I can be as contrary as I choose.’

‘you’re too scared to admit it, but you’re in love with me.’

‘darling, don’t be such a baby. this isn’t fairyland.’

‘you’re asking me to give up my whole world, and everyone in it.’ 

‘I want a clean break and not an open wound.’ 

‘you’re stuck with me now, for good and proper.’ 

‘I could have faced it all with one more night of sleep.’ 

‘I’ve lived in such a fog of misery since I left you, I think i’d forgotten what happiness is.’

‘now we must get used to feeling happy, and trust it.’ 

‘it always happens when you give these little people power. it goes to their heads like strong drink.’

‘I get fed up seeing how our lot always get shafted.’ 

‘you thought you got the better of me, but you were wrong.’ 

‘you’re angry because I’m happy.’ 

‘sometimes, we must let the blow fall by degrees. give them time to find the strength to face it.’ 

‘I’m sorry if you’re angry, but don’t take it out on me. you did it.’ 

‘if you think it pains me to ask this favor, you’d be right. but I have no choice if I am not to be an object of ridicule and pity.’

‘forgive me, I don’t meant to offend you. I am simply paying you the compliment of being honest.’

‘just because a life isn’t easy doesn’t mean it isn’t right.’ 

‘sometimes the future needs terrible sacrifices. you thought that once.’ 

‘you’ve broken the rules, and it’s no good pretending they’re easily mended.’ 

‘I know that you have a real life coming. if I ever thought that I was putting that in jeopardy, i’d go away and never see you again.’ 

‘I have nothing to give and nothing to share.’ 

‘the trick of business is to mind your own.’ 

‘sometimes, (name), you can be curiously unfeeling.’ 

‘you have given me the power to destroy you and don’t think I won’t use it.’ 

‘when a war is over, the first emotion is relief. the second, disappointment.’ 

‘all I could do was think about how much more I want from life now than I did then.’ 

‘that’s what I want. no going back.’ 

‘I’m a foolish man who’s lost his way and don’t quite know how to find it again.’ 

‘I’ve waited for so long to hear those words I can’t believe I’m hearing them.’ 

‘can you hear the words coming out of your mouth? can you hear how stupid and selfish they are? because I can.’ 

‘aren’t all of us stuck with the choices we’ve made?’ 

‘marriage is a long business.’ 

‘you look as if you’ve got the cares of the world on your shoulders.’ 

‘am I so weak, you believe I can be talked out of giving my heart in five minutes flat?’ 

‘I have great pride in the love of that young woman, and I will strive to be worthy of it.’ 

‘don’t be defeatist, it’s very middle - class.’

‘I’m afraid being helpful is not something we associate you with.’ 

‘it’s wonderful what fear can do to the human spirit.’ 

‘I will not be moved to the sidelines to watch how you fare from a distance.’

‘I want you with every fiber of my being, but it isn’t fair to you, it isn’t fair to anyone.’ 

‘be happy. for my sake. it’s all I want for you. remember that.’ 

‘we’re cursed, you and I. and there’s nothing to be done about it.’ 

‘we’re talking to the dead.’ 

‘life is a game in which the player must appear ridiculous.’

‘you must prepare for the worst. I’m not saying it will happen, but you must prepare for it.’ 

‘I don’t often feel selfless, but when I listen to you, I do.’ 

‘no man can regret loving as I have loved you.’ 

‘say something, if it’s only good-bye.’ 

‘the fact remains that I am made different by it. things have changed between us.’ 

‘everyone deserves a chance. even (name).’ 

‘I just didn’t want our final words to be angry ones.’ 

‘would you stay? if I asked you to?’

‘you’ve lived your life, and I’ve lived mine. and now it’s time we lived them together.’ 

         “Are you sure I can’t give you a ride back to Downton? I should think your father would have a fit if I don’t at least try to behave correctly.”

Matthew looks positively delighted when Mary agrees; eyes alight with boyish excitement. There was nothing else better in the world than her laughter, and he’d be damned if he didn’t try and make her laugh at least once a day. He figured that it would have been about a 50/50 situation in which Mary agreed to go on his bike with him, but he’s certainly very happy that she’s decided to give it a whirl.

He grins, balancing his bike as he hops onto it first to keep balance, and then motions her to come join. “Do you think your Papa will disown me after he sees the way I bring you back home?” He asks, voice amused as smiles wide. “Up you get then, and don’t forget to hold on!”

Seeing Matthew’s delight genuinely surprises Mary. As far as she can remember, he hasn’t looked very eager to spend a lot of time with her. Perhaps he just wants to laugh at her fumbling with the bicycle, but she decides not to give him that pleasure. Even though she still has no idea how they both could ride the same bicycle.

free free to change pronouns / descriptors if necessary!

why don’t you have a seat.

if he gets himself killed, it’s your fault.

i’m a man now.

let me look at that boy. look at that face!

you’re still with me?

what do you got there?

can i give you a piece of advice? …don’t miss. 

we are never going to see battle.

bury him whenever you’d like.

one cannot speak truth to power, if power has no use for truth.

do not look away!

my father’s dead.

i’d like to know all i can about my honored nemesis.

now - to shut that pretty mouth!

with respect, sir, the only one who punches my friend is me.

i believe it is better to die honorably in the field than in a stinkin’ hospital!

good aim, right?

you’re in such a hurry to leave your old friend, huh? who knows when we’ll see each other again.

i concur with that.

are you mad?

you lying, lascivious wench. 

anything i did, right or wrong, i did for you. 

it’s none of your concern.

drinks on me, fellas!

i was hoping i’d see someone i knew come across.

i wish you were dead instead of him.

i’m impressed. most men would have begged for mercy by now. 

you ready?

you know i can’t show my face back home.

you are a two-faced, pompous piece of shite. 

i’m not letting you do this alone.

he’s still out there. we should –

he’s gone. he’s gone! look at me. he’s gone, but you’re not.

always.

it’s not your fault.

well, looks can be deceiving, as you know. 

aren’t you going to ask me if i’m alright?

as far as i’m concerned, i don’t have a father. 

i’m surprised you’re not blind.

right here, you! come on! right here, you! right here in my lily white nutsack!

         “Are you sure I can’t give you a ride back to Downton? I should think your father would have a fit if I don’t at least try to behave correctly.”

“Well, yes.” Matthew tells her lightly, though the amusement is obvious in his voice. He knows that he’s caught her off guard, and it’s – nice to be ahead of the curve, for once. She’s a hard woman to please - get to know, Mary Crawley is, but Matthew doesn’t forget those brief moments - an almost connection, an understanding, and he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

              “Give a bit of a stir-up to your parents, what do you say?”

A laughter of disbelief escapes Mary’s mouth hearing Matthew’s answer. How this is possible? What on earth is on his mind? The whole idea is so absurd, yet it makes her curious enough to try it. Especially when she notices the amusement in his voice. He must be very pleased with himself for surprising me, she thinks to herself. And he probably thinks I’m too proud to do it. Now the whole thing seems like a challenge: to surprise him, too.

Sherlock Holmes. Mary had heard this name before, but she couldn’t tell where or when. When Aunt Rosamund’s butler announced his arrival, she suddenly felt nervous. Not only because she wasn’t expecting him - or any other visitors (Aunt Rosamund wasn’t even at home!), but also due to the fear that he might have heard the gossips about Kemal Pamuk’s death. She knew that someone had spread the rumor about the Turk dying in her bed and with Mama and Granny they did everything to prove that it wasn’t true, there might have been some people who didn’t believe it.

He might not even know what happened to Mr Pamuk, she thought to herself as she walked down the stairs, trying to stay calm. And he might be a dressmaker, a sculptor or someone who sells paintings, she added in thoughts heading towards the drawing room.

“Hello Mr Holmes,” she greeted the tall dark-haired man as she entered the room. “I’m afraid my aunt is not at home if you have come to see her,” she continued. “What can I help you with?”

The year was 1939. Sherlock recalled reading about James Crowly who died on the titanic. He was called by Rosmend Painswick. To assure that media would calm down. Uncover the truth and make sure the family east stays intact. Holmes made no promise. That didn’t stop Sherlock from taking the case. He was informed that a Mary Talbot. The eldest to the Crowly.

He heard the arriving at the manor at around mid afternoon. Gentle crisp breeze gliding over the sunlight above on this spring day. The trip was smooth across the county side in a carriage for two hours. What luck was in store for him this time.

Someone apart of the staff helped open the door for man. He stepped out in front of the 5,000 acre estate. Being usher quickly to the drawing room. Holmes declined anything that was offer to him. Holmes was dressed with his classic look. A black long trench coat, his worn blue scarf, and his trusted gloves.  

“Mary Thank you, Sherlock please. May you take me to the scene? Lady Rosmend Painswick called me. I’m a Consulting Detective. May I see where the death happen?” he pressed his hands together.

Mary. She was surprised by the detective’s informality and his offer to call him Sherlock when they had just met. If this was meant to ease the tension between them, it wasn’t working. She didn’t feel better at all. What a luck that Carson didn’t have to hear this, otherwise he would be outraged by this detective calling her Mary instead of Lady Mary.

However, his question made her stop thinking about the addressing issue. It was like her worst fears coming true: he was asking her to show her the death scene. But why would Aunt Rosamund have called him to investigate the case of Kemal Pamuk when she didn’t even know it was true? Granny had told her it was nothing but a rumor.

         “Are you sure I can’t give you a ride back to Downton? I should think your father would have a fit if I don’t at least try to behave correctly.”

Hearing his offer, Mary raises her eyebrows. Now that’s a surprise. Since when the Crawleys had their own car? Or does he mean...

don’t go. 

please, don’t go. 

it hurts. 

this hurts. 

we can’t be friends. 

you shouldn’t be here. 

stay here with me. 

it doesn’t feel like you care. 

i can’t feel your heart. 

i’m so alone. 

i need you here, with me. 

there’s nothing left. 

we’re up in flames, the both of us. 

it all comes crashing down. 

i don’t know what to do. 

you won’t go with me? 

why don’t you stay here? 

i’m going alone.

my heart’s broken. 

they broke your heart. 

where did this come from? 

how did you get this scar? 

who is {name}? 

what are you saying? 

i shouldn’t have come here. 

it’s like we’ve become strangers. 

who hurt you? 

who did this to you? 

please, don’t ignore me.

please, say something. 

is there something i should know?

i’m not leaving you here. 

you can’t do this to me. 

after all that we’ve been through… 

i … i went for a walk. needed some air.

you’re safe now, back home.

don’t you ever do anything like that again, you hear me?

but i laid out a clean shirt and towel in the bathroom if you wanna use it.

call me if you need anything.

you look like you need to go back to your bed. 

i’m all good. don’t worry about me.

so, what really happened to your face?

this has all been traumatic.

don’t you have any sense?

you were going to walk right past me.

had a fight.

you’re always exaggerating.

it woke me up.

shit happens.

i’m sorry, you know, just sorry. 

you know how tired i am?

no bad vibes last forever. 

it’s just a few words.

don’t walk past like you don’t know me.

you’re gonna have to go to the hospital and get a couple of stitches. 

just a couple of stitches.

i’m going on a mission.

i heard you the first time. now, let me sleep.

finished your tea?

you must think you’re grown now.

i couldn’t make any sense out of it so i closed my book and got my snooze on.

have you forgotten that too?

something came over me. i just saw red.

i had no plan b.

what were you thinking?

every family has their ups and downs.

feel free to edit & change pronouns n such however you need

“I didn’t know you could dance”

“Yeah, I used to dance a few years back.”

“Dance with me!”

“I don’t dance as much anymore.”

“I don’t know how to dance.”

“Look, I’ll show you how to dance.”

“I was only trying to teach you a simple dance lesson.. I didn’t expect us to end up so close.”

“Your dancing is beautiful.”

“I wish I could dance like you.”

“You should start dancing again.”

“Come on! Get on the dance floor!”

“Everyone’s drunk. No one cares if you’re a bad dancer or not.”

“I miss dancing.”

“I don’t dance.”

“I didn’t know you could _ dance!”

“You dance like a _.”

“Just follow my lead.”

“I knew you could dance, but damn…”

“I could dance with you all night.”

“Ah my feet hurt!”

“That move looked way cooler in my head.”

“Shit, was that your foot?”

“Your dancing isn’t that bad.”

“You just need to loosen up a little. It doesn’t matter what other people think. Just have fun..”

“So last night you did some interesting dancing while drunk.. good thing I got a video”