Hello all! Branson/Sybil are one of my favorite couples in Downton. This had just occured to me so I typed it and uploaded it. ^^ I hope you enjoy it. :D Would love to know what you think of it, please ^^

I'm interested in exploring more about Sybil defining the line between love and friendship, especially since she has always had a very sheltered and privilaged upbringing, thus this fanfiction will take us into that oddyssey. I will also use other different characters' point of view to see how she is perceived by others and through these character we would hopefully start to notice more of the gradual and subtle changes in Sybil's personality- that is from a young girl into a young woman. Some of her actions and thought process may sound at times silly but she is just 17 and is beginning to see more of the world.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Downton Abbey. COPYRIGHT

Asking a favour

August, 1914 (2 weeks after the garden party)

Oh golly, I couldn't help but lament mentally all morning because my father has been monopolising the car too much lately, more than I would have liked so I have being having to make do with the governess's cart to carry on with my borstal charity. As result, I also haven't seen Branson much; Branson here, Branson there, Branson take me there, Branson leave me here- it almost sounded exactly like Rossini's Figaro in The Barber of Seville. Oh dear, I really wanted to know how he was but since the garden party whenever I went downstairs Mrs. Hughes would be kind of checking that if I went to the garage I asked what I had to and then go straight back up. I couldn't help but wonder how she being treating Branson too. I wish I could just tell her to mind her business but I couldn't for fear that she would either tell Mr. Carson or worst still my father. I knew all too well that one whisper and father would definitely fire Branson without a question. I wouldn't know what to do if that were to happen. I probably would want to run away but then father could take extra precautions to block my escapade. Great. Hurray! I have a new chaperone. And I so thought I had being finally freed from chaperones when I turned 15 in 1912. And so I thought. I couldn't help but grimace at this new turn of events.

It had passed almost two weeks since my father had solemnly and regretfully informed us all at the garden party that we were at war with Germany. There hasn't been any big major drastic change at home only that Gwen and Thomas had left service and that Matthew and cousin Isobel had returned back to Manchester. Their parting was very sad, especially for father and Mary. The past few weeks were like a whirlwind for me, Gwen leaving, father and mama reflecting on what the future might hold for them and us if this war didn't end after Christmas, Mary and Edith were both downcast and could barely stand being in each other's company, and Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were running the house in Bristol fashion.

I was very sad to see Gwen leave but also very happy for her because she was finally being able to take better control of her future and no longer had to put up with the drudgery of service and the lack of privacy. I feel like we have formed a special friendship, I wasn't too sure at first but when she asked me if she could write to me from time to time, I was elated though I did tell her that she shouldn't feel oblige to pay me back for my help, then Gwen reassured me that she was hesitant about asking and Anna had gave her the courage. Anna did also tell me frankly that she did think Gwen was serious.

Then Anna came up to my room and broke me off my reverie, "Hmm, excuse me M'Lady, her Ladyship would like to see you, she is in her room" Anna informed me. I sighted, that odious woman what does she want now? It was not like I hate mama quite in the contrary but at times she had me like Figaro too! There were times were she could be really whimsical, ohh well. It was not always to say the least.

"Thank you Anna", I said while checking myself in the mirror before I left my room because I've lying down in my bed thinking many things.

As I walked down the long and elaborate corridors, I couldn't help but wonder what mama wants.

I knocked before I entered mama's room, "Come in, Sybil" my mom said from inside. "Yes, mama what would you like?" I asked with a sweet face. "Oh darling, I'm very sorry to ask this of you but would you please go into town and run some errands for me, I feel a bit unwell at the moment and it is quite important that they are done today, please?" mama asked with a inquisitive and charming smile of her. "Of course, mama" I replied with equal tone.

"Well, here is the list, luckily papa is not wont be needing Branson for the rest of today so you could ask him to drive into town.". Yes! At last! After so long my prayers were finally answered! It was about time! "Of course, mama." I said coolly not revealing how elated I felt. "Sybil I also need you to take these letters to the post office." Mama said as she handed me the letters, "Sure, mama". "Another thing Sybil" she stopped me in my tracks, "please try not repeat what happen in May" "Yes, mama I'll try" I replied.

Once I got to my room, I went to my dressing table to do some last minute check as I put on my hat. I would have wanted to jump and run down the stairs but walked calmly and relaxed. I'm just going to run some errands.

I then got downstairs and asked Mr. Carson to asked Branson to bring the car around because my mother felt unwell and had asked me to run some errands for her. Then he disappeared downstairs.

Not long had past before I could hear the car engine approaching yet I new I had to pretend I was going out for business, nothing new or exciting. I knew one slip could set alarm bells especially with Mr. Carson on my tail.

"Good morning, M'Lady" Branson said as he helped into the car. "Good morning, Branson" I replied. Once we were off, I waited until the house was out of sight.

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