I had wanted to get this posted in time for Valentine's Day, but hopefully, despite being a day late, you can still feel the romance in the words! A short chapter here, but the next one which I hope to post within a day or two, will be longer. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dear Branson,

First of all, I did not pout! You should count yourself lucky that you are back at Downton, or else you may very well have felt the infliction of my fist! You are very sure of yourself, aren't you? What if I told you that I hadn't been longing to open my letters? Or that I was in a place where I could open and read them at my own leisure at the very moment I had received them…but chose to wait? What would you say then? I'd like to think it would wipe that smug and *teasing* grin off your face—and yes, your grin is teasing. And yes…Carson did frown. But I'm sure it's because he knows what an arrogant…well, I can't say what I really think, because it is not the sort of thing "fine young society ladies say"…so there!

I don't know if you deserve to hear about my latest adventure in London…

Oh Branson, despite your "cheek" (which will never outdo my own, thank you very much!) I can't contain myself; I am bursting with so much excitement!

It happened! I finally got to go to the British Museum! I included a postcard with this letter—I hope it wasn't too creased? But oh it was wonderful! Better than anything I imagined! But I am getting ahead of myself, I need to slow down and start at the beginning…

My presentation was nearly a week ago, and I will not deny, I was feeling an utter wreck! I had spent many hours the night before, walking up and down the hallway outside my room, balancing a silly book on my head, attempting to curtsy and walk backwards, but it was no good; the stupid thing kept falling! It looked as it if it were beyond all hope and in my nervousness I barely slept a wink that night.

When morning came, I wasn't much better. My palms were sweaty, my legs were shaking, and I'm sure I looked a particular shade of green (I didn't dare try to eat anything, despite Mama's fussing).

But then the most extraordinary thing happened! I was whisked away to join the other young ladies, all of whom looked so poised and polished, not one hair sticking out of place, not one bit of perspiration covering their brows…and as I looked around at them all, I suddenly just…had this feeling wash over me, and I heard this voice whisper in my head, "You can do this." This will sound strange, and please don't go running to the authorities at Bedlam, but…it wasn't my voice. It was very calm and very encouraging, full of confidence and pride. And all my worries just…melted away. My name was announced, and without a second thought, I lifted my chin and entered the room, my back straight, my head held high, and can you believe it…I didn't stumble or trip or second guess myself! It was, more or less…perfect! I was absolutely stunned by it all! Mama and Papa congratulated me afterwards, but I think they were quite surprised too! I know Granny was shocked; she couldn't speak for a good five minutes! But oh I wish you could have been there to see it—and thank you, Branson—I don't deserve your kind words, and I certainly don't think I "dazzled" anyone, but…well, I must be honest, I think your encouraging thoughts was what helped me! Does that sound strange? Well even if it does, I don't care; thank you! I may just forgive you for your cheek…

Well, after the success of my presentation, Papa declared that we must celebrate! I believe Mama and Granny thought I would be happy with another trip to Bond Street, but I surprised everyone when I announced that I would dearly love to visit the British Museum! Oh you should have seen them! They all stared at me with wide, disbelieving eyes and opened mouths…well, all but Granny; she was tight-lipped. But Papa smiled and chuckled and said something along the lines of "typical Sybil", and agreed to take me the following day (I was right, none of the others were interested in joining me). And as I said before, it was wonderful! I saw so many amazing things! Ancient statues from Greece and Rome, the Winged Lions of Babylon, the Rosetta Stone, and of course the mummies! I think Papa was surprised that I wasn't disgusted by the sight of the unwrapped corpses, but I wasn't, I was truly fascinated! And oh Branson, the reading room…how spectacular! It was better than I could have imagined, truly!

But I must confess…the whole time I was there, I kept thinking about you. I—that is—well—what I mean is, I kept thinking about how much fun the two of us would have, dashing around, looking at everything, pointing at various objects here and there, and just having a lark! Next year, I promise! I will be on my very best behavior, so that Mama and Papa will consider bringing you with us so you can join me on this excursion, because I promise you, Branson, this is not the last time I visit this extraordinary place!

Everything else seems to pale in comparison to it.

My coming out ball takes place tonight, actually. I wanted to write my letters before it started, for I have little doubt that I will be forced to attend the entire thing. I suppose I would be a very poor hostess if I left in the middle of my own ball. And while your defense is very kind, I must confess that I am already selfishly plotting ahead; if I am a success tonight, surely Mama will allow me a stroll through a park one afternoon…where I just may happen upon a political speech by a fellow suffragette? Oh I am wicked! But thank you so much for your tip about the parks! Maybe I'll have something to boast and brag about when I return to Downton?

And by the way, I do love your idea, about making all the guests balance books on their heads! What a sight that would be! Possibly more amusing than Mrs. Hughes dancing atop the dining room table? I don't think Granny saw the same amusement in it however; I joked about it this afternoon at tea, and she simply gave me that tight-lipped look of hers, as if she's trying to discern what insult to throw. Mary and Edith found it amusing, but one swift look from Granny and they immediately hushed their giggles. Ah well! I just hope that my guests won't mind if I go on and on about everything I saw at the museum—that will certainly be my main topic of conversation this evening!

It's getting late and I'm afraid I must finish my letter here, although I know I could write on and on. Thank you so much for replying; I hope you will be able to write again soon! And in all seriousness, even though I will be extremely envious of you for having the opportunity to attend a rally, I do hope the chance arises soon! But thank you again for all your helpful suggestions and your words of kindness. I do not deserve them; you are far too good to me.

All right, Lucy, our London maid, is hovering over my shoulder waiting anxiously to help me prepare for tonight. Thank you for your warm wishes for a successful ball! Don't worry, I didn't misunderstand. And while I appreciate Gwen's good words on the matter, I am very glad to have yours as well.

In fond friendship,

—Lady Sybil Crawley,

Now an "official" proper young lady of society…with perfect posture to match! (And who completely agrees with you about those that are truly worthy of being a part of my society!)

Thanks for reading! If you can, please drop me a comment, I love hearing from readers!