Sybil's Legacy

by the-amethyst-raven

Cordelia Crawley, the youngest sister by 9 years, has been heavily influenced by her sister, Sybil. Sybil has done all that she can to guide Cordelia and teach her the most important lessons of life. Now, Cordelia looks to her older sister as a role model and a friend. And when Sybil dies in childbirth, 15-year-old Cordelia decides it is up to her to continue her sister's legacy.

1912

Tears begin streaming down the face of Lady Cordelia, the youngest of the Crawley sisters. At the age of eight years, she sits atop Sybil's bed sobbing. Mary had made a snarky remark about the child's etiquette at dinner, saying that Cordelia might as well 'dine with the pigs'. Cordelia took the statement quite literally and ran off to her bedroom. Immediately, Sybil rushed after her and took her to her own bedroom.

Cordelia continues to cry into the pillows. Sybil ruffles her tangled blonde hair.

"Please don't cry, sweetheart. I promise, Mary was only joking."

The child sniffles, sitting up, "Perhaps, but she hurt my feelings!"

Sybil stands up and fetches a handkerchief from the bottom drawer of her armoire. She wipes a tear from her sister's eye.

"Cordelia, I'm going to tell you something that you mustn't forget, not even for a second. You must remember this in your most difficult times, okay?"

She nods.

"My dear, there will be people wanting to hurt you in life. There are very bad people in this world, but you must be able to tell the difference between those who want to hurt you and those who are on your side. Mary was harsh, yes, but she loves you with all her heart. She is one of the good people. You need to remember, though, that she's under a lot of pressure right now. Remember the big ship, the Titanic?"

Cordelia nods, "Yes, the one that sunk today."

"Exactly. Well, the man who Mary was supposed to marry was on the ship. He died, so now, she may not be able to inherit the estate. I won't bore you with the details, but you need to remember that she's going to be on edge, and she may snap every now and then. But she is not one of the bad people."

Sybil pauses, waiting for her sister to respond. Cordelia doesn't answer but instead stands, walking around the room. Her tears have now dried and she seems to ponder something for a moment. Eventually, she gives a response.

"What about Barrow?" Cordelia asks. "Is he bad? Papa doesn't like him very much, does he?"

Sybil is shakes her head, "No, no, of course not! And you should always refer to the servants-or anybody, really- as Mister or Miss, alright? But no, Mr. Barrow may be somewhat unpleasant, but he is far from bad. While Papa does not like him, let's be honest, Papa hardly likes anybody."

Cordelia laughs, sitting back down on the bed, "Alright. Who is a bad person, then? If Mary and Ba-Mr. Barrow, aren't bad, then who is?"

"Lucky for you," Sybil tickles her sister, putting her into a fit of giggles, "we haven't yet encountered someone truly bad. We've met snarky people like Mary and troublemakers like Mr. Barrow, but we they are truly kind at heart. That is why it is important for you to be able to tell the difference; it's extremely difficult to do, but I believe that you're smart enough to figure it out."

Sybil smiles at Cordelia, "Now, you better go apologize to Mary for your behavior, okay? And afterwards, offer to help Mr. Barrow with any chores he has."

She grins, "Okay! Thank you, Sybbie."

"You're very welcome, Cordy. Now, off you go!"