Mr and Mrs Branson Part 8


When I eventually arrived at Downton it felt strange. I stood outside the grand house I once called home however it no longer felt like one. I almost felt wrong walking in the front door I didn't feel as if I should have that privilege anymore. I wasn't even sure if Tom was inside those walls and in a way I was too scared to find out.

I tapped on the massive door as I waited for an answer to come. Barrow opened the door. He looked somewhat surprised to see me.

" Come in, my lady." said he.

I wanted to say call me Sybil. Mrs Branson even but I didn't say anything at all. Maybe it was because I knew my parents would disapprove, or maybe it was because it would cause awkwardness for both him and me. So I kept silent.

I waited in the hallway thinking about how I used to take all this luxury for granted. I never thought about the fact that a ladies maid or a cook was not a necessary requirement for life. I never even thought about the fact that people were starving but we were eating ten courses at a meal time. When you think about it that way it all seems so unfair.

Seconds later I see my Tom running towards me arms outstretched and I run into them. We embrace and clumsily kiss.

" I'll never leave you again. I'm so sorry." he whispered into my ear.

" Don't be ridiculous you did the right thing, Tom." I replied.

I think we were there for several more moments just holding each other. Time seemingly still. Finally, once we both had come back to the realisation of the situation we were in we walked into the drawing room where Tom said everyone was waiting. We went in hand in hand.

When we walked into the room I realised that Tom wasn't exaggerating by everyone. Even grandma ma was there.

" Sybil darling, we were so worried. Thank goodness you are alright." cried my sister, Mary.

"I'm fine. Honestly." I reassured everyone.

" How's the child." came my mothers voice.

" The child will be fine, Mama. It was only a boat trip not a hike or a horseback ride!" I said

Then I saw my father. Turned towards the fireplace still to make eye contact with me.

" Papa?" I said

" Your just as bad as him aren't you! I knew I shouldn't of approved the marriage." he shouted.

" I would've married him anyway and you know that. I don't condone what Tom has done however I love him and I love the way he fights for what he believes in. What I believe is right!" I was getting angry now.

" Enough we will discuss this later." came my fathers voice.

This made me angry he wouldn't even hear me out.

" I don't know what all the fuss is about. A criminal, ex-chauffer, social revolutionist. I find it quite exciting." came my grandmothers voice.

I left the room with Tom and we continued on upstairs to our room.

" He despises me now. That is if he didn't already." I said to Tom.

" He doesn't hate you. He loves you and that's why he is so angry. His little girl has been led astray by a lunatic who likes to burn down house to prove a point."

I laugh at this.

" Don't worry. He'll come round" Tom continued.

" I love you." I said.

" I love you too." came his reply.

We kissed then holding each other tight. I hoped he would never be taken away from me.