I've fixed the mistake in this chapter now! Thank you to the people who pointed it out.

Mary and Edith were determined to stop their sister marrying the chauffeur though for different reasons: Mary was simply shocked at the idea of love crossing the class divide whilst Edith did not want Sybil to move to Ireland leaving her only with Mary. The rivalry between the two would escalate without the calming influence of Sybil. Unfortunately this agreement did not lead to any reconciliation of the pair as they both competed to have the major role in breaking the two up.

The day after the failed elopement Sybil had spent most of the day in her room, partly due to exhaustion and partly to make the pretence of her illness more realistic. As such she was unprepared for Edith's announcement at breakfast.

"I've asked Lavinia to join us after breakfast. I thought we could assist with planning her wedding as she doesn't know many people in Yorkshire." Edith's plan was clever as it put Mary in a difficult position. Should she agree and spend the day planning Matthew's perfect wedding to someone else or should she risk Sybil spending the day with Branson? Mary fixed Edith a look showing quite clearly what she thought of the idea.

Lord Grantham looked in surprise at Edith. He suspected the wedding was a hard topic for Mary and had not suspected such a suggestion.

"Are you sure that would be wise?" He questioned, then searching for an explanation added "we are after all the Groom's family."

"I think it is a very kind idea." Mary managed to reply evenly enough given her reluctance. "It would be hard for Lavinia to arrange a wedding at Downton without planning it properly here." Mary did see the intelligence of the plan: if Sybil had to spend her time planning a lavish wedding at her home surely she would come to regret not having one for herself. Of course Sybil saw through this straight away, but could think of no reason against Lavinia's visit particularly after it had gained Mary's support. Furthermore she liked Lavinia and did not wish to appear rude.

Branson had just finished breakfast when Mr Carson came to the cottage to give him his instructions for the day. It was relatively quiet in the morning as he only had to collect Miss Swire. He always found journeys with only one passenger the hardest as the lack of conversation served to reinforce his position in the world. That he was not deemed worthy to speak to those born in a higher rank than him was usually met with wry amusement on his part, yet on some occasions he resented it too much. He was sure Miss Swire was likeable enough, but what she done to gain a higher class than him? Perhaps it was Lady Mary's casual assumption that he needed her to pay for the room or their shock at Sybil wanting to marry a mere chauffeur, but he found the job harder than usual on the drive to Downton.

Knowing it would be some time before he was needed and wanting to reassure himself that he would make something of himself, Tom returned to his cottage to work. His true interest was politics and with the situation in Ireland he knew this was what he wanted to pursue. Yet before this could become his career he needed a way to earn income and the solution was writing. For him defending an argument well was one of his talents and so he liked to write political articles and getting these published would support him. Once Tom had sat down at the table in his cottage he started work on a piece analysing the effect of the Great War on the class system.

Sybil had been expecting a dreary morning with her sisters placing weighted emphasis on the grandeur of a Downton wedding, but instead she really enjoyed being able to plan a Wedding and it gave her some ideas of what she wanted at her own though on a smaller scale.

"I think Roses for the bouquet." Lavinia had decided, "and possibly more decorating the church."

"You could have similar flower arrangements at Downton for the reception." Sybil suggested making a note of this.

"How about using lilies too?" Mary asked knowing Sybil could not afford her favourite flower at her wedding. "they won't be in season, but it shouldn't be a problem."

"They're one of my favourite flowers." Lavinia was pleased with the idea.

"Mine too." Sybil added, "I think in some ways they are more romantic than roses and if you get the colour scheme right the displays will look so beautiful."

Edith's plan had not been successful as Sybil was grateful to have someone to discuss weddings with as it made her excited about her own. She had been so looking forward to her marriage that she had not given much thought to the actual wedding itself. Before she had not understood why brides put so much effort into one day when it is the lifetime marriage that is so important, but for the first time she was discovering the pleasure of the wedding ceremony where they could publically pronounce their love.

For her part Lavinia was pleased to share ideas with Sybil. Both Mary and Edith were so busy finding suggestions for the wedding that Sybil would want but could not afford that they were not much help. Sybil however was very organised and really helped her arrange her ideas for the wedding. By the afternoon Lavinia's wedding was taking shape as secretly was Sybil's, though she wished she had a firmer idea of what Tom would like. As they had planned to elope there had been no plans about a wedding ceremony and she would like it to be a joint decision. They had not had time to discuss the future so she did not know even where the wedding would be or who would be attending. She knew she needed to speak to Tom about this.

"Branson has brought the car round for you Miss Swire." Carson's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You're not going already?" Edith protested surprised.

"I'm afraid it makes sense for me to leave now so Branson can drive Mrs Crawley to the hospital." Lavinia apologised.

"I need to go there too." Sybil spoke up. "I have some matters to discuss with Dr Clarkson."

Not thinking of a way to stop Sybil her sisters watched regretfully as the two left the room.

"Congratulations" Mary said sarcastically to Edith. "You have managed to get her excited about weddings just before she goes to see her fiancé."

Next chapter will have Sybil and Tom together. I would really appreciate any reviews.