You really shouldn't be looking.
But you can't help yourself. Her dark hair curls down her back, the candlelight glinting off it, picking out strands of gold and honey, and her shining eyes dance as she talks to the girls around her, laughing and joking. Her pretty mouth stretches into a warm smile when she sees you, and she drops everything to walk – no, glide, over to talk to you, standing by the door, not allowed to join in.
Her voice is quiet, and girlish, but there's none of the mindless patter you can hear from the girls around the room. She has opinions, real, valid opinions, and an honest heart. You remember the time you gave her the leaflets, and how she valued your opinion. You remember the time she walked into the sitting room wearing a pair of trousers, and the way she delighted in startling her family. You remember the night she fought with her father, the words you heard when you stood downstairs, praying that she'd be alright. You remember the threat she made – that if you went, she went too. You remember how your heart was racing, remember how that was the moment you fell in love with her.
And then you remember what Mrs Hughes said, and remember that you're a chauffeur, and she's a Lady, and that nothing can ever happen.
Although, by the way she's looking at you, she's not remembering that.
How cute is Branson/Sybil? I love it :3 Bates/Anna and Branson/Sybil are in contest for my OTP. I can so see Sybil rebelling against her parents to be with him in the next series. Please, Mr Fellowes. You know how perfect they'd be.