Sybil looked on as her little girl ran across the Downton estate. She smiled. It made her so happy to be here, with her and Tom's child, the same place she was brought up. It also made her happy that her family accepted Tom. Well maybe Granny didn't but the rest of the family did.
The wind blew and Sybil snuggled into her coat, as a shiver ran down her spine. It was November time now and all she wanted to do was to curl up inside with a good book. But of course her daughter, May, wanted to play outside. Well the lush green grass of Downton was very hard to resist, Sybil had to admit.
Sybil heard footsteps and she turned to see her eldest sister Mary, cradling her child George.
"May loves the outdoors," Mary smiled.
"She does," Sybil sighed, "to much I think. I'm sick of standing outside freezing."
"Well that's what the Nanny is for Sybil darling."
Laughing, Sybil shook her head.
"No I want to look after May, be the one who is always there for her. I really don't mind standing about, its all worth it. I have never been more happy in my life."
Mary reached out for Sybil's hand.
"I really am so glad your happy Sybil," Mary said.
The sisters stood there, watching May for a while, young George squirming to go and join his cousin, who seemed to be in her own world dancing about like a fairy.
"May we're going in now!" Sybil called, but the little girl shook her head, "don't make Mary have to come and get you."
Still, May remained rooted to the spot staring at the two ladies.
Sighing, Sybil ran over, May squealing and running away on her little legs. But because she only had little legs, she couldn't go very far and Sybil swooped her up. Giggling her head of, May tried to wiggle out of her mothers grasp, but Sybil just planted kisses all over head.
"Come on you," Sybil smiled, holding her daughter close to her, "I think your Da will be home soon."
"You so good with her," Mary said, as Sybil approached, "your such a natural mother."
"And so are you, you never put George down and when you don't have him Matthew has him. I never knew a child more loved than George."
They headed into the drawing room to see their mother, writing a letter.
"Did the children get some nice fresh air," Cora smiled going to plant a kiss on her grand-children's temples, "May never seems to get tired."
Sybil laughed and let May down on the floor, who ran around the room several times.
"Are they home from the farms yet?" Mary asked.
"Not yet but they should be home soon," Cora answered, "your father is very against what Tom and Matthew are saying."
"Well he would be," Mary sighed.
"Any sign of change and he is scared out of his wits," Sybil added.
Just as May started to run to the door, Carson entered.
"Carwson!" May exclaimed outstretching her arms to be picked up.
"Lady May," Mr Carson smiled, as he bent down and ruffled her hair.
"Careful Carson, you don't want her to upstage me as your favourite of this family," Mary laughed.
Carson puffed his chest out.
"Lord Grantham, Mr Crawley and Mrs Branson are here my ladies," Carson exclaimed just as the men entered.
Lord Grantham was frowning, but Matthew and Tom were laughing. Sybil and Mary walked up to their husbands smiles on their faces.
"Sybil, love," Tom smiled planting a kiss on his wife's lips.
"Good day?" Sybil asked.
"Well…"
"Da!" May called jumping up and down in excitement.
"Hello my lovely little girl!" Tom smiled picking May up and spinning her around, "has she been good?"
"She is never anything, but I'll tell you what I don't know where she gets her energy from," Sybil answered.
Matthew kissed Mary and his son, then lowered his voice.
"I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but your papa has been a nightmare today," Matthew sighed.
"Tell me about it later," Mary said raising an eyebrow.
"Where's Rose?" Lord Grantham asked Cora.
"She has gone into Ripon," Cora answered.
"What for?"
"Oh you know Rose, Robert a new dress obviously."
"So," Sybil said, "how did it go?"
"Well the Fern's after years with us, generations have decided to sell their land," Lord Grantham explained.
"What on earth for?" Cora asked.
"That doesn't matter," Matthew said, "the fact is me and Tom want them to sell, but Robert is hell bent on trying to persuade them to stay."
Sensing an argument brewing, Sybil looked at the clock.
"Shouldn't Edith be back from London now?" she asked.
"No she'll be back after dinner," Mary said, "talking of dinner, its time for us to dress."
Lying back in her bed, Sybil closed her eyes. Things were getting heated at dinner and all she wanted was for them to agree on something. She believed in Tom and Matthew's views, but she wanted a compromise. Still things will look better in the morning that's what she always thinks.
"Sybil Branson, are you that tired?" Tom's playful voice laughed.
Sybil opened her eyes and sat up to see Tom had entered their room.
"Well I wouldn't be so tired if you three could just compromise," she sighed.
Rolling his eyes, Tom slipped in the bed and shuffled closer to his wife.
"So do I, but I have to say what I think Sybil, love, you do understand that," he explained.
"Of course I do Tom, don't change your views for anyone," Sybil said.
He planted a kiss on the top of her nose, making her giggle. Sybil pulled Tom closer to her and their lips locked. Tom placed his hands on Sybil's waist his desire over powering him. Smiling, Sybil pulled herself on top of him taking him by surprise.
"My my Sybil," Tom laughed.
"Shut up, Tom!" she teased.
