Another war. Another useless bloody war. Thomas hadn't trusted his ears when Lord Grantham had announced that England was heading to war against Germany again. It had reminded him so much of the last time he had heard those words. Back then it had been a garden party, this time it was during dinner with the family. A telegram had reached them just before pudding was served, and the news had, obviously, spoiled everyone's appetite for the apple tart Daisy, or Mrs Mason, as she was called now, after taking over Mrs Patmore's position, had made.

Thomas didn't want to think about the awful things he had had to experience the last time England had been at war, but the scar on his hand was a constant reminder of what he, and everyone else, had gone through thirty years ago.

They would have to have cutbacks in the staff. Already Thomas was worrying about how they were going to continue their work up to standard with at least footmen and hall boys missing. Mr. Carson would be proud, Thomas was starting to think like the old butler.

That had been almost two years ago, and Thomas had had to make do with what he had, but the war had been hard on all of them so far.

The family was sitting over luncheon, when young Master George announced he would go and sign up to become a soldier.

The next words he heard let his blood freeze in his veins, though. Never had he thought he would have to hear those words.

"I'm going to train as a nurse to help those in need."

Everyone, not just Thomas, turned to Sybbie, sitting next to her Cousin George, who had started asking his father if he should sign up in the same regiment he had furing the first war, if it wouldn't be a nice legacy. Too eager, that boy, he had always been that way.

"Sybbie, darling, you are doing no such thing" Cora, aged gracefully, said from her seat across from the young girl.

"But Grandmama, if George is allowed to go and fight for the country, why can't I go and help those wounded in battle? Mother did, and I think she would be proud to see me follow in her path" Sybbie argued, and the mention of Sybil bathed the table in silence. It was a mean card to play, but Sybbie knew it would help her reach her goal.

"Sybbie, why don't you think about this for some more time, and if you are still eager to go and work as a nurse, we can talk about it again in a few days" Branson tried to soothe his daughter, but Thomas knew as well as the father that Sybbie had already made up her mind. She would not decide against being a nurse, not after Cora's display of disapproval.

The girl was so much like her mother in so many ways.

Two weeks later, Sybbie had packed a suitcase with her belongings that she would take with her to York for nursing school. She waited in the grand hall for the rest of the family to come down and bide her farewell, but in that moment, she was just accompanied by her trusted friend and guardian.

"Are you sure you want to go to York? We can still unpack the car" Thomas asked the girl, worry creasing his brows. The butler was wringing his hands, a clear sign that he didn't like the situation.

"I'm sure. I'm doing the right thing" Sybbie stated confidently, but she couldn't fool Thomas. He could hear a sliver of tension in her voice. She might be sure she was doing the right thing, but it still had her jumpy.

"How am I going to look after you if you are off somewhere patching up boys in the battlefield?"

"I'm not going to be in a battlefield. I had to promise daddy to not sign up for work abroad. I'm going to stay in England, nursing the wounded back to health here." Her words made his nerves ease off a little. Sybbie turned to Thomas and smiled at her friend.

"You don't have to worry about me, Mr. Thomas. I'm going to write at least once a week" she said with a smile, hooking her arm through his and pressing herself to his side.

"I'm always going to worry about you, little Miss Sybbie."