I just couldn't abandon these characters, they are so much fun to write. Although it draws from the previous chapters, this is a new story arc for Sybil and Branson under the title "Against All Odds." Lots of angst and romance to come. Comments and reviews welcome. Enjoy!

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Chapter 10 - A Leap of Faith

October 1917. In the middle of the large laboratory stood a rapt group of fifteen women all wearing white smocks. They gathered around a large table upon which had been laid out a female cadaver. The room was well lit and the teacher was methodically taking the group through a dissection of the lower abdominal regions. Today was particularly tough on Sybil Crawley. Her typical days were long and even more grueling than her nurse's training and duty had been. She had spent time earlier in the week studying specimens in the medical museum, but she had so much to remember, so much to still learn. Dr. Kentridge was being demanding on the young women in the anatomy course as he asked them questions. Perhaps the old codger was thinking that even after 45 years of women in the field that they would never equal the top male physicians. It had been almost a year since Sybil began her medical training, and she was determined to get through this one difficult class.

But through it all she remembered what Tom Branson, her lover and former family employee, had said to her almost a year and half earlier, "I know you will become the finest doctor, you can do anything." With his unwavering belief in her abilities, she had the confidence that she could finish the rigorous medical training required to become a doctor and try to improve the lot of those less fortunate. He had faith in her and she knew he was proud of her. Remembering his smile, his laugh, his scent spirited her away to a place of profound happiness. These recollections always balanced any challenge that was put before her, including naming the various skeletal components of the pelvic region for Dr. Kentridge.

To get into the School of Medicine for Women, which was affiliated with the University that ran the military hospital where she had worked as a nurse, there were three things that Sybil had to do. First, she had to apply and be accepted. This was not an easy task. The other women in her class had come from a range of backgrounds, mostly upper middle class daughters of doctors, but almost all had done at least two years of University before starting their medical training. Given she had not gone to University, Sybil had been given a special dispensation because of her previous experience as a nurse. Much of this was made possible through the kind assistance of Dr. McNeil who taught a course at the unique school for training women physicians.

Dr. McNeil had also been one of the regular physicians in the military hospital and had befriended Sybil as he tended patients in her ward. He had asked the young nurse to tea one afternoon and she agreed. She was fond of him, as he had always been willing to explain various diagnosis and she wanted to know more about his work. He was a pleasant man in his late 30s, who had been in the military but was now back home serving as an attending physician around the various wards. When Sybil told the doctor of her interest in medical school, he promised he would see what he could do for her. His assistance was extraordinary generous, and Sybil doubted that without his help she stood a chance of being accepted.

He offered his highest recommendation in regards to the conscientiousness and dedication of this particular nurse, Dr. McNeil had told the admissions board. Also given how quickly Nurse Crawley had mastered various aspects of her duties, something he learned from Nurse McBride (a surprise to Sybil,) McNeil was convinced the young nurse had the aptitude and ambition to become a doctor. The admissions board accepted her into the two-year program, and upon completion of this phase she would then have to spend additional time training in a hospital. She was grateful for the support of Dr. McNeil, and Nurse McBride as well, and thanked them both.

Now with that first obstacle out of the way, the second hurdle had been to tell her family, namely surmount the objections that her parents would most certainly lay in her way. Sybil had taken the train home to Downton in July of 1916 during one of her father's leaves from his training duties. She wanted to let her parents know about these latest developments.

"I have been accepted to the School of Medicine for Women in London and I plan to become a doctor," Sybil confidently informed them shortly after she arrived. She had called Lord and Lady Grantham into the library to give them the news.

"You are going to do what?" was the response from Cora and Robert in concert, both in disbelief at her latest announcement.

"I plan to become a doctor."

"Oh no, no, no we let you go for the nursing, because we thought it was a good thing for the war effort and that you would get this rebelliousness out of your system. I still haven't forgiven you for that bye-election debacle or that brash young chauffeur for that matter," he raised in protest. "I am sure Cousin Isobel is at the bottom of this scheme," alleged Robert, baffled and annoyed by his youngest daughter's latest plan.

"We were so hoping that you would return to Downton and soon get married, perhaps settling nearby. And now you want to pursue a career in medicine?" Cora asked.

"Yes. This very important to me, I want to help people. I think that women especially require medical care that takes their needs into account. And no Cousin Isobel had nothing to do with my decision, I have been thinking about it for well over a year." She didn't dare tell them that it was really Branson who had given her the courage to pursue this ambition. If they found that out at this point she was sure she would be imprisoned in Downton's attic never to see the light of day ever again.

"Well that's noble and all that, but why can't you serve on the board of a hospital? Come home and we will put you on the board of the Cottage Hospital," Cora suggested.

"I want, need, and can do more," Sybil insisted. She would stand her ground. And her parents knew their youngest could be the Rock of Gibraltar when she wanted her way (clearly a trait inherited from Violet), so they tried another tact.

"Well then, how will you pay for the training?" Robert posed.

"I am a woman of independent means and have saved every penny I have made from my nursing. If you've noticed I haven't been buying dresses or other frivolous things, except perhaps a book now and then. I've saved up a fair amount, so I can at least pay for the first year. I am determine to do this, the doctors and nurses believe I have the ability, I am just seeking at minimum your moral support," she pleaded.

Cora and Robert looked at each other exasperated, but they knew their daughter's dogged determination—they'd been bowled over by it before. And with that they raised a white flag. She had once again won them over to her side.

"Well, we will confess that we have been proud of you and your nursing success. But this is rather unorthodox you'd have to admit. I have my reservations mind you, but I suppose we will have to get used to having a doctor in the family," Robert conceded. "Dr. Sybil Crawley, oh I don't know, I guess it sounds alright?" he muttered to himself.

"Sybil, if we let you pursue this, then you have to promise me that you will also find the time to at least entertain a young suitor every now in then," Cora insisted. "I know, we will invite one to Downton at the next family event. I will not have my youngest daughter an old maid, even with a medical degree!"

Confident she had won this battle Sybil was willing to make that one small concession to please her mother, "Yes, of course, if that will make you happy."

"My dear, have there been any eligible young men in London? Rosamund seems to think not, you seem so busy with your nursing." Cora asked.

"Um…well," she didn't dare mention Branson's visit and that she had fallen in love with their former chauffeur. "Ah.., there is a…Dr. McNeil, who helped me get into medical school. We have had tea on occasion," she thought this information would satisfy Cora's desire to marry off her youngest.

"Oh, well a doctor, don't suppose he's the son of Viscount or something, but I am sure he is a decent fellow. Oh and you will have to tell your grandmother about this yourself, she will not take this lying down."

"The world is changing and there is so much to do. I promise you will both be proud of me. I won't let you down. And Granny will just have to get used to it, plus it means she can get my medical opinion on her various spasms and coughs at any time, that will surely win her over."

And thus Sybil had conquered the mountain that was her parents.

Sybil's third task had been far more pleasurable, she had written a letter to Branson. She wrote him once a month although she was not sure her letters were getting through to him. She had received a letter from him letting her know that he had made it back to France, that he was still in a state of shock about the happenstance way their paths had crossed, but most importantly that he was still overjoyed at their confession of love. Both knew that this declaration had required an extraordinary leap of faith that two people who came from such different worlds could forge a meaningful and fulfilling bond. He assured her he would come back to her.

And it was also a leap of faith, his unbridled belief in her, that prompted Sybil to go ahead and apply to medical school shortly after the two lovers had parted that early spring morning.

5 September 1916

Belgrave Square

My dearest friend,

How I miss seeing and hearing you, I have so much to tell you. I hope you a received my three previous letters, as I am not sure they get through to you. I daily wonder where you are and I hope that you are in a safe place.

Life in London has been busy. After you left in April I began to think that I should not wait to go to medical school. My skills could be of use now. So knowing your faith in my capabilities, I applied to the school that trains women physicians. It is affiliated with the University like the military hospital, so I was able to call on a physician to assist me with my application. They were willing to accept my nurses training as a prerequisite, so I start this week with my classes. Mama and papa were none too thrilled. They even thought I would come back to Downton soon and settle down, no doubt with the fourth son of some Viscount or Earl. I so wanted to tell them about us, but thought it wise to wait until your return. They tried everything to dissuade me, but as you know, once I make up my mind I do not budge. So they agreed to let me begin my training. I am so happy at these new prospects and I hope you will be happy too.

Life in Downton seems to be going on as usual. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes have continued to keep everything in running order. They are so much the backbone of that place I can't imagine home without them. The downstairs staff is much smaller as there are fewer family members and guests about the house. The wonderful news is that Anna and Mr. Bates will be married when he is finally relieved from his military duties. His odious wife has passed away, which has now freed him to marry Anna. I hope they can stay on as part of the household. I suspect old rules will tumble once this war has finally ended. It seems so far off, but I hope it will come soon. We need more happy events around Downton.

Last week was my last shift on the ward at the hospital. And all of the ward's nurses and orderlies had a little celebration for me. To my surprise Queen McBride shed a tear. She even gave me a good recommendation that helped convince the admissions committee of my worthiness. They all seem proud that one of theirs is going to be doctor. Funny how over time your relationship with people, regardless of the prescriptions of social class or rank, becomes cemented. I will especially miss seeing Louisa everyday, but we have vowed to remain friends and see each other when possible, which will not be too difficult as my school is a merely a few short blocks away from the military hospital.

I don't know what this new adventure will bring, but I remain optimistic; that sense of hope is a struggle to maintain, knowing that you are somewhere in harm's way. When will the guns stop, when will this war end, how much killing can the world sustain? I hope this will be the war to end all others, as peace will have to be next thing we will strive for as a people. As you once said why can't we make peace?

Know you are in my thoughts. Know that I love you.

Always,

Sybil

It had been a year since Sybil sent Branson that letter. And she had received three more letters from him letting her know that he was alright and that he was thinking of her always.

She was surprised how quickly time was passing and hoped that she would see her dearest friend soon, if the guns would ever to stop.