BOO! Are you surprised? Yep, that's right, I updated again, TWICE IN THE SAME WEEK! :oP But come on, I *had* to, because at least here, it's May 30, which is the anniversary of this lil' story-2 years old now! And it's still only been a single week (not even) since Sarah and Sybil switched places ;oP

Well, this chapter has *BOTH* Sybil/Branson and Sarah/Bellasis goodiness inside (yay!) And I play around with the timeline a bit; it's still Tuesday, and now we shift over to Downton to see the rest of the Crawleys up and about. Then, the chapter will jump ahead to midafternoon. This will be important to know, as the chapter that follows will also play around with the timeline then too.

I want to extend a special thanks to tammyteresa64, who has not only been a cheerleader to me with my writing, but to S/T shippers and the DA fandom in general. Thank you my dear, and I hope you will consider this your own (much belated) birthday present :o)

And thank you to everyone else for your sweet reviews and for your continued readership. I'm very glad you're still enjoying this strange AU tale, and hope you enjoy this latest update as well!

Chapter Twenty-One

"You want William Mason to take Jarvis' place!?"

Matthew groaned, before glancing at Tom Bellasis as if asking him to give him strength and patience. When it came to dealing with his father-in-law in matters related to Downton, he very much felt he needed it.

"William is perfect for the job, Robert—"

"He's a footman!"

"Was, a footman," Matthew corrected, his voice becoming a bit more strained. The patience he was attempting summon wasn't coming fast enough.

Robert fixed his son-in-law with an annoyed look. "What makes you think a former footman knows about being an estate agent?"

"In William's case, plenty!" Matthew retorted. "His father is a farmer, his grandfather was a farmer, he grew up on a farm, he worked on his father's farm when he was a boy, and when the War ended, he went back working there! He knows the land, Robert, his entire family knows it—he's worked it! And he's well-respected amongst many of your tenants, which is a great deal more than can be said for Mr. Jarvis."

Tom found himself silently nodding his head in complete agreement with Mr. Crawley, however while William Mason had been his suggestion to take over Jarvis' duties, it was not his decision to make.

Robert frowned at Matthew. "Jarvis has served our family well, I'll not hear him spoken ill of here," he stated firmly, and Tom could tell that Mr. Crawley was struggling to not mutter something sarcastic back. Thankfully, Lady Mary was once again joining them at breakfast, and reached for her husband's hand as if to calm him. Robert noticed the gesture and turned his eyes to his eldest daughter. "And you? Do you approve of this?"

Mary looked up from her tea cup, a little surprised that her father was seeking her opinion, when in the past, he had always muttered that it wasn't a woman's place to get involved in the "gritty business of running an estate". Ever since her brief talk with Mr. Bellasis while they were visiting the tenants, she was beginning to understand the importance that man's child, be they male or female, have a basic understanding of how things run. And she was regretting that she hadn't insisted on bettering her education in such things.

"I too was surprised at first, when Mr. Bellasis brought up William's name," Mary admitted, which earned Tom a scowl from Lord Grantham. "Like you, Papa, I've only ever really known William as a footman. Yet I did quickly remember his skills and knowledge when it comes to horses, and then this past Sunday when he spoke up at the meeting, I realized that his knowledge as a farmer is much greater than I had initially understood…" she paused to take a sip from her cup. "Something you would have learned as well, had you been there."

Robert's frown only deepened at his daughter's words; he didn't like being made to feel guilty.

"Alright, so clearly you're in agreement with Matthew," he muttered, grimacing at his son-in-law.

"I am," Mary confirmed, setting her teacup down and smiling sweetly back at her father. "For all the reasons Matthew mentioned, but others as well. William served our family very faithfully in his years of service here, so I have no doubt he will continue to serve just as faithfully in this new position, and do everything he can for the good of Downton and its future generations. Also, there is the fact that he is young—which is a good thing, Papa, as it means he will serve in the position for longer than others usually do, and be a help to our children as they grow and learn about the management and care of Downton," she concluded, glancing at her husband and offering him a smile while he beamed back proudly and squeezed her hand.

Robert was starting to look conflicted. "Alright, I concede based on everything you've said that William might make a decent estate agent, but none of that hardly matters as Jarvis has yet to hand in his notice!"

"But he will," Tom finally spoke up for the first time since this conversation had begun.

Robert's eyes widened and he stared at Tom as if he had just told him that they were going back to war. "Has he spoken to you and confirmed this…?"

Tom sighed and looked over at Matthew before meeting Lord Grantham's eyes. "No, but—"

"Then perhaps we're all moving a bit hasty, I mean it hardly seems fair to offer another man a job that is still being occupied by—"

"Mr. Bellasis is right, Robert," Matthew interrupted, exasperation dripping from his voice. "Jarvis has threatened to leave and retire if we continue to insist on making these changes, and quite frankly, we need to make these changes if we want Downton to survive and exist for the next generation, so let's give Jarvis a good sending off, thank him for his many years of service, and wish him a happy retirement while doing what we can before it's too late, to save Downton!"

Silence filled the room and the only sound that could be heard was the clock ticking in the Hall just beyond. Robert shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes focused on the uneaten breakfast that remained on his plate. He lifted them and looked directly at Tom, though there was no anger or fury as Tom had been prepared to see. "You're sure William is the right man for the job?" he asked, his voice sounding genuine, and his eyes filled with concern.

Tom didn't hesitate. "I am," he said with a nod. "I realize I don't know Mr. Mason as well as the rest of you, but based on the few short meetings I've had with him, and on what I witnessed on Sunday when he spoke, he truly would be the wisest choice in succeeding Mr. Jarvis and carrying on the work as your estate agent."

Robert tapped his fingers restlessly against the table as he further assessed what had been said. "And…this is similar to your family's situation? I mean, you went through something similar to this back at Grassley?"

Tom nodded his head. "We did; Garrett—our estate agent—knew the land, his family had lived off and worked on it for several generations, and he wasn't afraid to try new things, which helped put the tenants at ease when it came to using the newer techniques for farming. He is someone the people trust, and a vital asset to Grassley," he looked down then for a moment, then sheepishly brought his eyes back to the rest at the table. "I confess, I do miss being there, and not a day goes by where I don't think about what's happening back home, but at the same time, I know I can be at ease because I trust Garrett to make sure everything's in order. And I truly do believe, Lord Grantham, that Mr. Mason will be such a man for Downton."

Matthew and Mary smiled at Mr. Bellasis, before turning their eyes back to Robert. "High praise indeed," Lord Grantham murmured, more to himself than the rest. "Still…I think…I think I should be present for this meeting; I feel I have been left out of a great many of the decisions being made in regards to Downton's future, and I am still the earl, am I not?"

Tom bit the inside of his cheek and looked back down at his plate. He didn't have to glance at Lady Mary or Mr. Crawley to know that they were rolling their eyes. "I think that's fine, your Lordship," Tom murmured, lifting his eyes back to his host and putting on a friendly smile. "We'd be more than happy to have you present."

Lord Grantham smiled at this and gave a polite, thankful nod of his head. Tom glanced across the table at Matthew, who gave him a knowing look, before forcing a smile of his own and murmuring his own "gratitude" that the earl would be joining them. Breakfast seemed to resume once again, and Lord Grantham attempted to go back to reading his newspaper while Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley spoke quietly to each other. Tom looked away to give them privacy…and his eyes landed on a vacant chair at the end of the table.

Despite the conversation that had been taking place that morning, Tom had been keeping a watchful eye on the dining room door, waiting for when Lady Sybil would emerge. Every time he heard a pair of footsteps outside the room, his spine stiffened, and his feet were ready to launch himself upward for when she entered.

But it would turn out to be a housemaid simply passing by. And while he tried his hardest to hide his disappointment that she hadn't arrived yet, Tom couldn't help but feel a little anxious that she hadn't come down yet. He lifted his own tea cup and took a deep drink, before glancing over at his hosts and casually murmuring, "I hope Lady Sybil is feeling well..."

Lord Grantham simply continued to read his newspaper, while Lady Mary lifted her eyes and looked back at him curiously, as Mr. Crawley (busy chewing a scone) glanced towards the door. "Hmm, yes, she is usually down here by now," he murmured after swallowing. "She seemed well last night, didn't she, Mary?"

Lady Mary raised her eyebrows and gracefully lowered her teacup. Without looking away from Tom, she eased herself back and offered, "Shall I go and see what's keeping her?"

Tom's eyes widened and he felt his face grow hot at her offer. He began to shake his head and even opened his mouth to say that it wasn't necessary, when a suddenly flurry of sound was heard just beyond the door, and with a squeak, Lady Sybil appeared, her cheeks flushed and her breathing heavy. Matthew smiled and rose to his feet, while Mary, glancing at Mr. Bellasis with a smile, also rose to greet her sister. "There you are, darling, we were just wondering what was keeping you."

Lady Sybil continued to blush and swallowed and mumbled her apologies, glancing briefly at him, before looking down as if to collect herself. "I um…" she lifted her eyes and again, their gazes met. Tom sat there, positively transfixed as he looked at her, her blushing cheeks, her sparkling eyes, her glowing smile which began small and soft but was starting to spread more and more. It suddenly dawned on him that he was still sitting there, and in an effort to correct himself, he rose so quickly from his chair that he caused it to fall backwards with a loud crash.

"Good God!" Lord Grantham exclaimed, his concentration broken from his newspaper.

"Oh! Oh, I…" Tom looked at Lord Grantham, before turning to Lady Mary and Mr. Crawley, and then finally at Lady Sybil, his face burning with embarrassment. "I'm terribly sorry, your Lordship, I…forgive me, please—"

"It's alright, just…a bit of a startle, that's all. Carson?" Lord Grantham called out to the butler, who like his Lordship, had also been startled by the chair suddenly hitting the floor.

"No, please Mr. Carson, no need to trouble yourself," Tom murmured apologetically to the Downton butler, who lifted a bushy eyebrow at him while he quickly bent down to retrieve the chair. Idiot, what's wrong with you? He swallowed and slowly lifted his eyes back to Lady Sybil…whose lips were pressed together in an effort to keep from giggling. Tom continued blushing, but couldn't help but smile back, and just as it had happened the previous evening, felt his heart lift more and more as he gazed at her.

Across from them, Mary watched her sister and Mr. Bellasis with interest, even going so far as to lean into her husband and softly nudge his shoulder. However, Matthew seemed to misinterpret her gesture, as instead he glanced down at his watch and declared, "Blimey, I didn't realize that was the time; William will be here soon…" he looked up then at his father-in-law, while Mary silently rolled her eyes at her husband. "Robert, I think it's best if we conduct our meeting in the library, don't you agree?"

"Hmm, of course, of course," he murmured, speaking as though this entire arrangement had been his idea. He took one last sip from his teacup before rising from his chair.

Tom couldn't help but feel disappointed, and looked back apologetically at Lady Sybil. "I'm afraid we must go; we're meeting with Mr. Mason—"

"About the estate agent's position, yes, I remember," she said, her blush never really going away, but her smile continuing to shine. "I think it's a wonderful decision, and he'll do very well."

Tom grinned back. "I think so too; and hopefully he'll accept."

Lady Sybil giggled softly and Tom chuckled, and they both looked down for a moment in bashful silence.

"I'm sorry I—"

"I look forward to—"

They both paused as they realized they were speaking at the same time, and found themselves laughing again. Tom made a gesture with his hand, encouraging her to speak.

"I was simply going to say that I'm sorry I was so late that I…that I couldn't join you for breakfast," she explained, before lowering her eyes sheepishly.

Tom swore his heart did a little somersault. His mind went back to the previous evening, when she had come down for dinner after her and Miss Dawson's "adventure" from Malton. She was no longer caked in mud, but he had thought her every bit as beautiful then as she was now. They spoke with such ease before, during, and after the meal, smiling and laughing and…everything, it just felt so…right. And afterwards, after they had bid their goodnights to one another, he had laid awake and stared up at the ceiling of his room, not thinking about Grassley or even feeling the slightest bit of homesickness, but rather…thinking about her. Lady Sybil Crawley…

"Tom?" Mr. Crawley called, and Tom swallowed and cleared his throat, offering Mr. Crawley an apology and assuring the gentleman he would be right there. He looked back at Lady Sybil and gave her a polite bow of his head, before murmuring, "I hope you will still join us later? When we make our visits with the tenants?" Had she remembered? He had asked her yesterday before returning to Downton if she would consider accompanying him and her sister and brother-in-law. She not only cared deeply about the treatment of Downton's workers, but also seemed to have a deep understanding to what it would take to put them at ease.

Lady Sybil blushed but smiled, her eyelashes brushing her cheeks in a way that practically had him hypnotized. "I would be happy to…if you still want me, of course."

Tom swallowed, a groan of longing threating to leave his chest. Yes…yes he wanted her very much…

He opened his mouth to speak, but just then Lady Mary poked her head into the dining room. "Sybil? I'm afraid you must let Mr. Bellasis go." Her tone was light and even somewhat teasing, but the eldest Crawley sister was not blind to the obvious spark she could see between her sister and their guest. Perhaps Granny is on to something?

Tom murmured an apology to his hostess, then bowed his head and gave Lady Sybil a parting smile, before turning and exiting the room and going to the library where both Lord Grantham and Mr. Crawley were waiting. As for Lady Mary, she lingered in the dining room entrance, and gave a little nod to Carson, indicating that he could leave. At this, her younger sister seemed surprised when she realized Mary wasn't following Mr. Bellasis.

"Aren't you going to…?"

"I'll go in when William arrives," Mary said with a smile, her tone and posture seeming casual…while her eyes followed her sister as she made her way over to the warming dishes. "You know…it's rather funny, the way you appeared when you did…"

Sarah paused, but didn't lift her eyes. "Oh?"

Mary nodded her head. "Yes, I was just about to go and see what was keeping you…when suddenly, there you were!"

Sarah swallowed and then forced a little giggle. "Yes, that is funny, isn't it?"

"Indeed…" Mary murmured in agreement. "Why…one would think you had somehow heard us!"

Sarah did glance at her sister then, out of the corner of her eye, catching the sight of Mary's raised eyebrows. Her older sister's theories weren't far off the mark. In fact, they were spot on.

The truth of the matter was, she had risen early, rather eager to go downstairs and have breakfast, but upon arrival, paused in the Hall and eavesdropped on the conversation that was taking place between her father, sister, brother-in-law, and Mr. Bellasis. She didn't dare interrupt, and for how long she stood there, listening to them speak, she couldn't say. But Gwen found her, gave her a light teasing, and then at hearing Mr. Bellasis inquire after her (well, inquire after "Lady Sybil" really), Gwen gave her a few not-so-gentle prods, and with a squeak, she appeared.

"Well, even if you did come down a bit later than usual, I am still glad you came…though perhaps not as glad as Mr. Bellasis."

Sarah had just sat down at the table, and but upon hearing Mary's words, nearly dropped her fork.

"William Mason is here, milady," Carson announced from just beyond.

"Thank you, Carson; I'll show him to the library!" Mary called back, before turning once again to her youngest sister. "Well…do have a good breakfast; after all, we have a busy day ahead of us, don't we?" she said with a smile, before turning to go and greet their former footman. But before leaving, Mary did turn around one more time. "Oh, and Sybil? Just in case you do decide to eavesdrop on the meeting, be sure not to lean too heavily on the library door, otherwise you'll tumble right in."

Sarah's cheeks burned at Mary's implication…and she secretly stored the advice away because she knew deep in her heart, she would be doing just that before even finishing her breakfast.

"Estate agent? ME!?" William gasped as he stared in wide-eyed wonder at the faces around him. He honestly had not been expecting this bit of news when he had arrived that morning to his place of former employment.

"Your knowledge and skills on the land speak for themselves, but your ease and understanding with the other tenants is what truly makes us think you would be the right man for the job…" Matthew explained with a hopeful smile. "I know it's a lot to take in, but will you consider it, at least?"

Sarah was holding her breath as she listened outside the library. No sooner had she heard the library door close after Mary escorted Mr. Mason inside, than she bolted up from the dining room table and dashed across the Hall until she was hovering just on the other side of the door, listening to the various greeting pleasantries, before Mr. Bellasis' voice filled the space, getting down to the business at hand.

He didn't speak as much as her father and brother-in-law did, after all, they (and her sister) would be the ones to make the final decision. But Sarah couldn't help but smile and think the entire time, "this is all Tom Bellasis' doing". It was his idea and his suggestion, and she couldn't agree more. Granted, like him, she didn't really know William Mason as well as the others (certainly not as well as the true Lady Sybil, she had no doubt), but based on everything she had heard by some of William's former work colleagues, like Gwen, as well as listening to the story of how he spoke up at Sunday's meeting, indeed, William Mason would do a great deal of good for all the people who relied upon Downton Abbey to thrive.

"…Would it be alright if I give you my answer tomorrow? I'd like to go home and think about this—"

"Yes, yes, of course!" Matthew exclaimed. "Take all the time you need—"

"Well, not all the time," Robert attempted to joke.

"Thank you, William, for coming and seeing us," Mary quickly intervened before her father could put his foot in his mouth.

Sarah heard footsteps approaching and quickly moved away, hiding behind a nearby column and listening as the library door creaked open.

"I'll see Mr. Mason out," Mr. Bellasis' voice could be heard, and Sarah pressed herself against the column as she listened to both his and Mr. Mason's footsteps crossing the Hall.

"Sybil? What are you doing?"

"OH!" Sarah practically jumped at the voice. She whirled around, her hands to her throat at the sight of her mother, who was looking at her with a furrowed brow. "M-M-Mama," she stammered, hoping she sounded like Sybil as she addressed the Countess of Grantham. "You…you startled me…" She tried to laugh, but her heart was still pounding rapidly and she couldn't help but worry if Mr. Bellasis had heard her squeal.

Instead of apologizing for sneaking up on her daughter, Cora repeated her previous question. "What are you doing? Are you hiding from someone?"

Sarah's face burned at the question. "I…um…w-w-well, I um…" She was trying to think of a believable excuse, but none were coming to mind.

Cora arched an eyebrow, then looked beyond her daughter's shoulder to try and see what (or who) she had been hiding from. "Were you…?" she began, and then caught sight of Mr. Bellasis. "Were you eavesdropping…?"

"NO!" Sarah lied, and then winced because she knew she was simply digging herself into a deeper hole. She looked back at her mother…and Cora Crawley was simply smiling at her in knowing way, her eyes tender and full of endearment.

She surprised Sarah when she lifted her eyes away from her and called out, "good morning, Mr. Bellasis!"

If Sarah's cheeks had been red before, they were an even darker shade now.

"Good morning, Lady Grantham!" he answered back, his voice sounding every bit as warm and inviting as the smile on his handsome face.

Cora continued to grin, her expression not giving anything away. "I hope your meeting went well?"

Sarah listened as his footsteps drew closer. "I think it did, thank you, I'm hoping—oh! Lady Sybil," he paused midsentence when he realized that she was there. "I apologize, I didn't see—"

"It's alright," Sarah quickly assured, her face burning. She could feel her Cora's amused gaze upon her, no doubt waiting to see how she would explain herself now. Thankfully, it was at that moment that Robert and the others emerged from the library, having heard his wife's voice in the Hall.

"Ah, Cora, there you are," her husband greeted, followed by Mary and Matthew.

Cora smiled and kissed her eldest daughter's cheeks. "Mr. Bellasis was just starting to tell me about your meeting with dear William; I trust it went well?"

"Perhaps," Robert answered first. "He's going to think it over. But he is quite knowledgeable about the land; certainly impressed me when he described some of the changes his father's farm has taken on over the last few years…"

"I told you he'd be the right man for the job, not to mention a wise investment to Downton's future," Matthew added, before his wife gave his shoulder a nudge, which was followed by a look urging him not to unnecessarily "stir the pot".

"I know you told me," Robert groaned, frowning slightly at his son-in-law. "But I needed to hear it for myself. And Mr. Bellasis' explanations about his own estate also greatly helped my understanding."

"Oh?" Cora turned and looked at Tom Bellasis with curious eyes.

Mr. Bellasis humbly blushed, but Sarah could see pride in the gentleman's eyes at the mention of his home. It made her heart swell, and caused the corners of her own mouth to curl upwards as she recalled the fond ways he had spoken about Grassley. It was clear he loved it, but he wasn't snobbish or haughty about it, not at all. The pride was a result of hard work, something Sarah could certainly understand and relate to. But there was something else too, a strange feeling of...affection…that filled her, whenever he spoke about the place.

How nice it must be to have a home like that, she couldn't help but think. All her life she had been seeking such a place…

"I'm afraid we must be going, Mama," Mary announced. "We have half a dozen farms to visit, at least."

"Oh, of course! I won't keep you waiting."

Robert made a sound under his breath, as if he were scrutinizing something. "I think…" he paused, before continuing. "I think…that it would be wise, if I join you."

Tom Bellasis turned then and met Sarah's eyes, and Sarah had to bite her lip to keep herself from giggling. At last, Lord Grantham decided to get involved…

"I think that's excellent, Robert," Matthew affirmed, also meeting Mr. Bellasis' eye, and like Sarah, also trying to not laugh. "The more the merrier."

"And Sybil will be joining us as well," Mary added, smiling sweetly at her blushing sister.

This was a surprise to Robert, who looked at Sarah, before looking at the rest and asking, "whatever for?—Ouch!" He winced and looked down at his foot, before raising his eyes and frowning at his wife.

Mr. Bellasis cleared his throat. "I asked if she would join us, actually. Lady Sybil and I had a discussion about the importance and value of workers, and I think she will be a great help in easing any tensions some farmers might feel about the new plans for Downton."

All eyes seemed to turn to Sarah then, Matthew looking pleased and proud, while Mary and her mother seemed to exchange some knowing grins. Robert simply looked confused. "I'm sorry, when did you have this discussion?—OUCH!" he hissed and glared back at his wife, his toe throbbing from where she had stepped.

"I would very much like to help, if I can," Sarah announced, surprising herself for speaking up, but swallowed and lifted her chin, looking firmly ahead at her father, all the while feeling his eyes upon her profile. "Workers fear change because so often their employers fear it, and therefore that fear trickles down and affects everyone. Therefore it's important for an employer, be they the owner of a shop or a vast estate, to not only treat his or her employees with dignity, respect, and fairness, but to also be honest, show a willingness to help, and have an open mind to change, so that when change presents itself, it is no longer something to be feared, but rather…something exciting, something interesting to explore! Something—"

Sarah paused then when she realized everyone was staring at her with wide-eyes and somewhat open mouths. She swallowed and took a slight step back, shrinking just a bit. "Sorry, I um…" she blushed and lowered her eyes. She had gotten a bit carried away there; it was strange, she wasn't used to "speaking her mind" with people like Lord and Lady Grantham, people like whom not so very long ago, she had worked for and therefore would never dream, let alone be allowed to get away with saying such things.

"Well…" Matthew broke the silence, his tone light. "There you have it, Robert! My only regret is that we didn't have Sybil joining us until now."

Everyone laughed softly, including Lord Grantham, but Tom remained mesmerized, his eyes unblinking as he gazed at Lady Sybil Crawley with such deep admiration and awe.

…And something else.

"Well, we should go," Mary announced once more, and she reached out and lightly touched Tom's arm, waking him from his stupor.

"Yes, yes, of course," he stammered, before turning and thanking the Downton butler who was already waiting and holding his hat for him.

Mary looked back at her mother and gave a little nod of her head, before turning to her father and saying, "Papa? Why don't you ride with Matthew and myself; Mr. Bellasis? You don't mind taking Sybil in your car, do you?"

Sarah gasped and looked at her sister before turning and looking directly at Tom Bellasis who was a few steps ahead of her. She held her breath, and swore for a moment, her heart stopped beating when he gazed back at her, and murmured, "no…no, I don't mind at all."

Sybil was fidgeting. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, her feet tapping the floor, body hunched, and her hands gripping the mattress as if ready to propel her up and forward. She knew what she wanted to do, what deep in her heart she longed to do, but for that very reason, she remained where she was.

This is madness, pure, utter madness! You seriously cannot be considering…

Oh but she was. She was seriously considering it.

"Nothing to keep you from accepting Mr. Branson's offer to step out this afternoon now, is there?" Mrs. Patmore's words to her from earlier continued to echo in her mind.

Tom Branson…his blue eyes, his cheeky smile, his handsome face, his warm, Irish brogue…

She gripped the edge of the bed a bit harder and sucked in a deep breath, as if that would somehow calm the rapid beating of her heart.

He's a servant; more than that, he's YOUR FATHER'S servant! He works as a chauffeur to the Earl of Grantham, and you just so happen to be Lady Sybil Crawley, Lord Grantham's youngest daughter. You're not really Sarah Crawford, despite the uniform!

But at that, she reminded herself that Sarah Crawford wasn't really "Sarah Crawford", but in truth, Sarah Crawley, Sybil's identical twin sister, who had been taken from her family when she was a baby, and raised in a world where she had to work as a servant in order to survive.

Did Sarah's upbringing define who she really was?

She's my sister, she's a Crawley, she's not really a servant…yet that's the only life she's ever known, just as the surname Crawford has been the name she's always called herself.

Sybil's head began to throb. She groaned and lowered it to her hands, letting them cradle her aching head as she tried to make sense of everything that was flying through her mind.

What really defines a person? For her father, and the people of her class, it was birth and upbringing. But Sarah went against that, because she was Sybil's twin, therefore she was a member of the Crawley family, yet she had been raised in a world vastly different from Sybil's. Did that world define Sarah? Did her job as a chambermaid at the Grantham Arms, and a housemaid before that define her?

No, of course not. Those things didn't define Sarah Crawford any more than the fact that she was really a Crawley and Sybil's identical twin. Sarah was so much more...

…Just as she, Sybil Crawley, was so much more than simply being Lord Grantham's youngest.

So with that in mind…did it matter if she accept Tom Branson's offer to "step out" with him?

But it does! Because he has more to lose than you!

But only if he, or others, found out.

That won't matter; in a week's time, this will all be over. And he'll still be in your father's employment. How do you think he'll respond when he realizes that you aren't what you say you are?

But this job, or who her father was, didn't define her! And besides, why was she making this to being something more than it really was? He was just trying to show his appreciation for the favor she had done for him, in fixing his shirt.

Well, the favor Sarah—the real Sarah—had done for him.

Sybil groaned and lifted her head. She had been so shocked at the time when Mrs. Patmore revealed her "true intentions" in giving Edna the afternoon on Friday off, that she had barely spoken a word. And when she did speak, it was to Daisy, revealing to her the reason why she was so wide-eyed and pale-faced.

"You HAVE to go!" Daisy had excitedly giggled. "Oh Sarah, you simply must!" Her giggles grew as she verbally imagined Edna's reaction when she learned about Tom asking Sybil (as "Sarah") out. And despite her cold treatment to him earlier, Sybil couldn't deny that yes, she did want to accept his offer. Just as she had wanted to help him with mending his shirt, she wanted to leap at the chance to spend a little time with him, away from the Grantham Arms, away from Mrs. Patmore's watchful eyes, Daisy's teasing giggles, and Edna's annoying interruptions.

She had never felt this way, this…eagerness…for a man's company, as she did right now for Tom Branson.

…And shouldn't that be reason to worry?

She swallowed and rose from the bed at last, moving across the room to the tiny window that looked out over the back of the Grantham Arms. Down below, she could see the inn's tiny garage, and her breath caught in her throat as she caught sight of him, his jacket off, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and yes, even from here she could tell that his collar was unbuttoned, providing her just the briefest glimpse of his chest. Her face flooded with heat as she remembered her first day at the inn, when she had accidently walked in on him while he was washing, the water that dripped down his neck and onto his naked chest…

Apollo, she had thought at the time.

"Oh good heavens," she muttered, pushing herself away from the window. If she was going to accept his offer, she had to stop thinking like THAT for one.

It's just a gesture of thanks, it's just a gesture of thanks, she repeated over and over to herself. That was all this was, his way of saying "thank you" to her for something he thought she had done, but in truth, hadn't really. Well, in fairness, Sarah Crawford did mend his shirt for him, and if I hadn't taken it to her, it wouldn't have happened. Of course, that had only been after she had nearly ruined it for good.

A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts. Daisy poked her head inside and then groaned upon seeing her. "You're still here?"

Sybil rolled her eyes. "I'm just trying to make up my mind—"

"What is there to make up?" Daisy questioned. "The answer is easy! GO!"

"It's not that simple—"

"Only because you're making it difficult," Daisy countered. "Edna is downstairs right now, groaning about how unfair it is that she can't have tea, while at the same time making comments whenever she passes a window and catches sight of your Mr. Branson."

Her Mr. Branson. He wasn't hers, he didn't belong to anyone…though the thought did cause the butterflies in her stomach to flap wildly.

"Get down there right now and put things to right!" Daisy ordered, folding her arms across her chest and tapping her foot expectantly.

Sybil groaned and rolled her eyes once more, but didn't protest further. She moved past the kitchen maid and down the side stairs that would take her to kitchen, and upon poking her head into the room, sure enough as Daisy had told her, there was Edna, lingering at one of the nearby windows and sighing, while at the same time groaning about the blisters she could feel growing on her feet because she was working so hard and was being denied the opportunity to sit down for tea. Sybil moved past the kitchen, down a small corridor that led to another back entrance, this one closer to the rubbish heap. She held her nose as she exited, and moved quickly, not wanting any of that lingering stench to perfume her the way the water closet had earlier that morning.

With every footstep she took towards the garage, Sybil could feel her chest tighten and her stomach flip and flop as if it were a boat on a stormy sea. She paused for a moment and closed her eyes, telling herself to calm down and cease feeling these strange, silly nerves. She took a deep breath, then another, and finally took the last steps needed before she entered the garage.

Tom Branson had just risen from beneath Mr. Yardley's lorry, and was reaching for a rag to wipe oil and grease from his hands, when he seemed to notice a shadow falling across the ground. He lifted his eyes then, and his expression changed to one of surprise at the sight of her. "Hey…" he murmured, his lips not quite curling into a smile, perhaps because he was still just surprised that she was standing there.

Sybil swallowed and once again told her nerves to calm down, before forcing a smile and murmuring back, "Hello."

They stood like that in a strange, and somewhat awkward silence for a moment or two.

"Can I help you—?"

"What are you doing—?"

They both stopped…and then started to laugh a little nervously at the realization that they had spoken at the same time.

"Sorry," Tom apologized, blushing a little and looking down for a moment, before looking back at her making a gesture with his hand. "You go first, please."

Sybil blushed as well. "I…I was just curious as to what you were doing…"

Tom wiped his hands one more time, before tossing the rag off to the side. "Thought I'd try and do a little more work on Mr. Yardley's motor; I don't like the way the engine sounds, plus there seems to be some issue with the oil valve," he added, before taking his arm and using the back of it to wipe his brow so as not to dirty his face. But even if he had, Sybil would still think him handsome, she knew.

"Oh, but…isn't this your afternoon off?"

He chuckled then, and like before, Sybil couldn't help but think about how beautiful his laugh sounded.

"Aye, that it is, but I did promise him I would have a look at it, and a half-day does grant me more time to do that…" he glanced at her, and Sybil could see that teasing light in his eyes. "Besides…" he said with a bit of an over-dramatic sigh. "I didn't have any other plans…"

Sybil gave him a look, though she couldn't help but grin a little bit, especially at the cheeky way he was looking at her. Fine, Mr. Branson, if that's how you want to play…

"That's a shame," she answered, her voice nonchalant. Her hands were clasped behind her back and she rocked back and forth on her heels. "Because it just so happens, I have some free time this afternoon, and I was wondering what I should do with it, but I suppose—"

"Wait, really?" he interrupted, blushing as he realized how rude he was being, but Sybil couldn't help but find his sudden change from teasing to serious, rather charming. "Sorry, I…" he coughed and she thought she heard him mutter something berating to himself, before he lifted his eyes and looked back at her. "You…you really have the afternoon free?"

Now it was Sybil's turn to blush, and for her own teasing to become serious. "I do, well, I can be spared for at least an hour, but…but yes, I do."

Tom Branson straightened up then and took a deep breath as if he were assessing this new information. "Well…"

Sybil blushed and nodded. "Yes, well…"

Another awkward pause filled the space between them as they waited for the other to say something, only this time they didn't even bother trying to fight the smiles that were threatening to break across their faces.

"So…" Sybil found herself speaking first. "If…if you weren't working on Mr. Yardley's motor…out of curiosity, what…what would you do, on your half-day off?"

Tom cleared his throat and casually leaned back against the lorry, folding his arms across his chest, to which Sybil couldn't help but gaze at the muscles in his forearms. Lord, it suddenly felt very hot in the garage.

"Well…it's funny you ask that, because…when I was in Ripon this past Sunday, I stopped at a pub, not far from the Catholic Church there."

"Oh?" Sybil forced her eyes away from his arms and chest, though just because she was looking at his face didn't mean that the heat around them lessened by a degree.

He nodded his head. "The owner was Irish, so he had plenty of good Irish brew on tap."

"Ah," Sybil couldn't help but giggle. "So you were finally able to have your 'Guinness' then."

"Don't dismiss a good pint of Guinness," he chuckled. "It's God's brew."

She giggled even more, and couldn't stop smiling. "So…I take it then that would be where you would go?"

He blushed but nodded his head. "It's one place, and certainly the first one that comes to mind," he admitted. "Though…I won't deny, as nice as it was to go there on Sunday and have a pint and be reminded of home, it would have been even better if a man had some company…"

His eyes met hers, and Sybil felt her breathing become quite shaky then. "Well…" she murmured, and then lowered her eyes to the ground, though she knew no amount of deep breaths or personal pep talks would cease those damn butterflies from flapping in her stomach, not now. "Well that…" she coughed and finally forced her eyes back up to his. "That sounds…that sounds lovely."

He smiled then, and it was the kind of smile a person couldn't help but smile back at.

She pressed her lips together, and then with a teasing grin, added, "Perhaps I'll go there this afternoon, while you finish work on the lorry?"

Tom's face fell and he blinked at her for a moment…and then he started to laugh when she burst out laughing, unable to contain her giggles after the shocked expression he had made, and even feeling a little sorry for him for her joke.

"Well done," he muttered, but laughed and then bowed his head in good-humored defeat.

Sybil blushed and smiled and shook her head. "You're not the only one, Mr. Branson, would care for some company."

He grinned back. "I'm glad to hear that," he sighed, then took a step towards her. "So…when, exactly?"

Sybil blushed and looked over her shoulder. "Um…now?"

"Now…" he repeated, and then his eyes widened. "Now?" he asked, as he realized that she did mean, quite literally, now. "Now, right! Um…" he looked down at himself. "Right, just…just give me five minutes to clean myself up, and…" he looked back up at her and Sybil was struck by how tender his gaze had become. "And…and I'll meet you 'round the front?"

She swallowed and nodded her head, then turned and quickly moved back to the inn, her smile wide and bright for the entire world to see. She was so happy, she didn't even hear Edna's initial screech of, "what were you doing in the garage!? MRS. PATMORE! SARAH WAS IN THE GARAGE!" The cook groaned and attempted to calm the screeching chambermaid down, while Daisy giggled and then made a motion to Sybil's head, and only then did Sybil realize she had been out there with headscarf still on from earlier. But if she had been embarrassed by her appearance, she didn't care. Because really, what did it matter?

She was "stepping out" with Tom Branson.