Don't hate me. I didn't abandon this story and while this is only a mouthful when there's been a famine, it's the best I can do. I promise the next scenes will be naughty, very naughty. And we'll have a wedding. And it won't be so long between updates. Promise.
Chapter 2
His name was Finn and on this night, he the chauffer's chauffer.
Tom had met him at the local pub one fine Sunday afternoon. In the sea of Yorkshire accents, Finn's Irish brogue sounded like a foghorn. And the two had started up an easy friendship, drinking a pint and reminiscing about home.
Finn worked for the Royal Mail, driving the mail from Downton village to Ripon twice daily. And on this day, he was driving three times.
Tom heard a knock on the door and grabbed his flatcap from the table. He had packed his things as well, uncertain of their reception in a couple of days.
With battered suitcase in hand and cap on his head, he opened the door.
She smiled at him, a radiant and beautiful smile which lit up the just darkened room. He let out a brief sigh. He hadn't known until this moment if she would come.
She looked so beautiful. So fresh and young. And all his. Dropping his suitcase, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.
After a few moments of passionate kisses and seductive moans, she pushed him away gently and said, "Now no more of that until after the wedding."
"You're right, I suppose. Besides, we need to get to the front by 12:30. But this is far from over. We'll have a good two hours on the train and you'll be begging for more of my kisses" he said, eyes heating.
Casting a teasing glance over her shoulder, she said, "We'll see who's the one begging."
He closed the door and they set off towards the front, gravel crunching under their feet. They were both silent. While it was necessary to keep quiet, Tom kept glancing at Sybil. She was walking determinedly, but there was a slight frown on her face and she kept glancing back at the darkened manor.
"Here," he said, taking her suitcase from her hand, "Are you alright, love?"
"Yes," she said, "It's just sad. The end of a chapter of my life. I won't miss it…but I will, is that strange?"
"No, of course not. When I left home, I felt the same way. I was more than willing to leave Ireland but it's like finishing a book you love. You're happy to be done with it but sad that it's over."
"Exactly," she said smiling again, "How did you get so wise?"
"Your father's library," he said and they both chuckled.
They were nearing the gate and he could see Finn's car idling in the distance. He stopped, put the suitcases down and turned her towards him.
He needed to say this before it was too late. He took her small gloved hands between his and taking a deep breath, he began, "Are you sure about this, Sybil? I can send Finn away and we can go back to the house, no one the wiser. But once we get in that car, there's no going back. This is the moment that will forever change the course of your life. You won't be Lady Sybil, but Mrs. Branson-and once I make you mine you'll never be free of me."
She reached up and cupped his cheek, "I hope in less than twenty four hours, you'll never have cause to doubt me. We belong together. I am yours and you are mine. I would happily shed my title a thousand times to be with you. All that matters now is us. My fate was changed the moment you handed me the pamphlets"
Lifting up on her toes, they shared a soft kiss in the twilight shadows of the great manor house. And then they walked through the gate together.
The ride to the Ripon station was blessedly quick. Sybil couldn't quiet the feeling that someone might notice her gone or worse, notice Tom was gone. And chase after her. She tried to calm herself. Angry papas only came after heroines in novels. Her father would be livid, but he was logical…she hoped.
But they arrived in due time, bought tickets, and settled into the coach without an incident.
Their compartment was empty and as the train pulled away from the station, Tom put his arm around her.
"Go to sleep, love" he whispered against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"But I thought I was supposed to be begging for more kisses," she said, stifling a yawn.
"We'll have plenty of time for that in Gretna Green. And that's a promise."
"I suppose," was all her response before her eyes shut. She snuggled her head into his shoulder and he nuzzled his head on top of hers. And she was asleep.
FINIS
Thanks for the patience. I still love reviews!
