Wedding Complications

After mailing all the wedding invitations and finishing the adjustments on her dress, Sybil was ready to seek a nursing position again. This time, she decided to focus on private doctors' surgeries, rather than large hospitals. With her recommendations from Dr. Clarkson and a respectable Irish woman like Mrs. Branson, Sybil was certain she would soon be hired.

Unfortunately, many of those private doctors already had a nurse and didn't need another. But doctor O'Shea looked promising, as the sign said he'd been looking for a nurse. Sybil's heartrate increased as she walked inside. This was it.

It was a small, but clean surgery, with an examination table, a wooden desk, and few chairs. The doctor was a youngish man who had brown hair and wore spectacles.

"Hello, Dr. O'Shea, I hear you're looking for a nurse," she held out her hand for him to shake, hoping he wouldn't be another who would decide she was unsuitable just because of her English accent.

The doctor's eyes grew bigger behind his spectacles as he studied her for several moments. But finally, he shook her hand. Sybil's heart increased. He was going to hire her!

"My name is Sybil Crawley, and I've had experience with nursing at Downton Village Hospital during the war. You are welcome to call Dr. Clarkson for a recommendation." The doctor nodded.

Sybil continued. "I've also recently nursed Eileen Branson, and she would be happy to recommend me as well."

Dr. O'Shea's eyes grew again. "She's a very respectable laundress in these parts." His voice showed how impressed the doctor was, and Sybil felt almost like dancing. It truly was going to work this time. "How are you acquainted with her?"

"Actually, I am engaged to her son, but believe me, that has no affect on her opinion of me," Sybil said firmly. She certainly didn't wish another doctor to believe she received all her recommendations because of family connections. "Quite the opposite," she added, remembering all the times Mrs. Branson yelled at her, believing Sybil would "ruin her son's life."

Dr. O'Shea chuckled, but then he quickly grew serious. "So, you are planning to be married?"

"Yes," said, wondering what that had to do with the job.

"Soon?" he said in a way that suggested Sybil's answer should be "no."

Her heartbeat faster for a vastly different reason, but Sybil still smiled as she thought of Tom. "Yes, in a few weeks."

Dr. O'Shea sighed. "Then I'm sorry, but I cannot hire you. I need a nurse who will be dedicated to the job, not one who must put her husband first. And certainly not one who could become…with child… at any time."

"I see no reason why I cannot be dedicated to my husband and nursing at the same time," Sybil said sharply. This was foolishness. She'd really thought with women like Countess Markiewicz and even Tom's sister, Brigid, that Ireland was more progressive about women than England.

Dr. O'Shea shook his head. "It's just not possible."

"Because you won't let it be possible," Sybil said as her temper snapped completely. She pounded her fist in the air and slammed the door as she left.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Ignoring the other people walking and the many cyclists on the street, Sybil rushed down to the Irish Times office. Tom would be almost done work, and she needed to speak to him. He was the only one here who would understand. She'd been so close to finally getting a job, and she'd been denied again. Sybil felt like screaming as she remembered Dr. O'Shea's patronizing "no" to her request.

As soon as Tom stepped outside of the office, she shouted, "I was denied once again! The doctor even had a sign that he was looking for a nurse, and he refused me!"

Tom's face immediately hardened into anger on her behalf. "I cannot believe they still won't give you a chance! Was it your English accent again or the fact that you worked for your father's hospital?"

Sybil shook her head, standing a bit closer to him as they shared their anger. "No, this doctor didn't seem bothered by those things. Instead, he's decided since I'm going to marry you soon, I cannot be a nurse because I'll have to 'put my husband first.'" She spat out the last words, becoming even more cross as she said them.

For some reason, Tom's demeanor changed from anger to confusion as she said those words. "Aren't you going to put me first?"

Sybil felt like she'd been slapped with that comment. "Of course, I am. I've already done so on several occasions!" Surely, he recalled that she'd been prepared to be cut off from her family completely in order to marry him. "But that has nothing to do with me being a nurse."

"What if it does?" Tom said, sounding cross again, but this time at her instead of for her.

"I can't believe you are saying that!" Sybil said, her words sounding louder and louder. "You've been nothing but supportive since we've come here, comparing me to Countess Markiewicz and encouraging me to find nursing jobs, but now suddenly it's no longer an option for me?" She waved her hands in the air, not caring that everyone on the street could see and hear them.

"Well, it sounds as if nursing is more important to you than I am," Tom said, his voice growing louder, too.

"How could you even think that, much less say it?" Anger and hurt swirled inside Sybil, each one fueling the other, so she waved her hands violently and shouted even louder. "I don't care what you say, I'm still going to find a nursing position here! I don't have to promise to 'obey you,' remember?"

Tom shook his head. "This has nothing to do with that; it's about your priorities, Sybil. You are supposed to marry me," he said in the same arrogant voice he'd used when Tom had first spoke of them as a couple back at Downton.

His words prickled her already tense heart, and Sybil remembered why his arrogance irritated her so much.

This conversation was too much for her to bare. "I can't listen to this foolishness anymore," Sybil said, turning around and heading for Mrs. Branson's flat. Hopefully he wouldn't follow her, because she couldn't stand to look at him.

OOOOOOOOOOO

When she arrived at Mrs. Branson's flat, the woman was handing laundry to one of her clients. Sybil waited, patiently, until that was finished before entering.

"Will Tommy be here soon?" the older woman asked, obviously disappointed not to see her son.

Sybil shrugged, wondering how to explain to Mrs. Branson that she hoped not, because she had no desire to see Tom now. "I'm not certain. We just had a row, so I don't think he wants to see me."

"I see," said Mrs. Branson, her face fluctuating between a small smile and a frown. She probably couldn't decide whether it was good news that her son was fighting with Sybil, or bad news that he was upset. Sybil knew the feeling, as she couldn't decide whether she was more cross or hurt at the moment.

"I suppose we don't need a big dinner then, if it might be just the two of us," Mrs. Branson said with a sigh.

"I suppose not," Sybil agreed.

"I'll leave a little something for Tommy, though," Mrs. Branson said with a nod.

OOOOOOOOOO

Tom didn't come to his mother's flat. Not for dinner and not even by the time Sybil went to bed. She laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how he could possibly think she was choosing nursing over him. Her job was important to her, but it didn't compare to the man she loved.

She'd never be happy with anyone else. The mere idea filled her with disgust. But there was no reason why she couldn't be a nurse as well. Why couldn't anyone see that? Tears filled her eyes, but she wiped them away, knowing they weren't worth it. She was far more cross than hurt right now.

Even Sheena, who had become very friendly since Sybil and Tom had set their wedding date, had tried to tell her that she wouldn't have time for housekeeping, nursing, and caring for Tom. These people had no idea how much Sybil reveled in keeping busy. She could never be like Mama, who spent most of her days laying around the library reading or doing needlepoint.

She'd much rather be like Countess Markiewicz or even Mrs. Branson, who ran her own laundry business. Or Brigid, who oversaw the sheep farm herself.

Brigid's face appeared in her mind as Sybil still stared at the ceiling, warning her about regrets and life not being what one expected. But of course, she'd already had regrets. She still constantly kicked herself for leaving England so quickly, causing Mrs. Branson to catch Spanish flu. And she'd already adjusted her expectations for her wedding several times.

That was enough, wasn't it?

But Sybil's heart sank even as she thought it. It wasn't enough at all. Not if she lost Tom as a result. More tears filled her eyes at the thought, and this time, she couldn't wipe them away. Instead, she sobbed into her pillow at the very idea.

And what if, just maybe, they were right about not having enough time for nursing and being Tom's wife? After all, Sybil had been comparing her married life to Mama's, which was incorrect. And even Cousin Isobel, who was proud to be a nurse and live a much simpler life, still had a maid.

Of course, as Tom's wife, Sybil would never have a maid. She would do all her cooking, cleaning, and mending herself. She'd looked forward to that and was eager for every lesson in those activities. But Sybil had never stopped to seriously think about how much time those things would take, compared to how much time a nursing position would require.

No, Sybil thought firmly. I'll be a nurse. But the more determined she tried to say that to herself, the emptier the thoughts seemed.

Right now, her future with Tom was more important. Tomorrow, she'd have to find a way to see him and convince him that he still came first in her life.

Her mind and heart finally at peace, Sybil closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The next morning, Sybil rushed through breakfast, hoping to catch Tom before he began work. "I'm going to take some bread to Tom for his lunch," she said to Mrs. Branson, grabbing a few pieces of the bread they'd baked yesterday.

Mrs. Branson scowled a little, probably that Sybil planned to settle things with Tom, but she nodded. "Tell him," she sighed, "that I was worried about him last night."

"I will," Sybil said, meeting the other woman's eyes in understanding. She'd been worried about him, too.

OOOOOOOOOOO

In the last few weeks, Sybil had become used to walking long distances, so her legs didn't usually ache. But today, in her haste to reach Tom before he'd begun work, she'd almost ran to the Irish Times office, and her legs were now quite sore.

But it was all worth it, when she saw Tom walking toward her, looking as handsome as ever in his forest green suit. "Hello," she said determinedly, meeting his hazel eyes. "I brought you some lunch."

Tom picked up the lunch pail with a scowl on his face that reminded Sybil of his mother. Of course, he was still cross.

"Tom", she said, still looking directly into his eyes. "I'm sorry about yesterday. But I wish you would have returned to your mother's flat. She was worried about you, and so was I."

Tom shook his head sharply. "There was no reason to do that, as you made it perfectly clear you didn't wish to see me. I spent the evening at the pub and then slept in my new flat. I should get some use of it, after all."

Sighing, Sybil looked at the ground briefly, remembering how she hadn't wanted to see him yesterday. But then she raised her head and looked into his eyes again. "I'm sorry about that, too. But most importantly, I'm sorry I made you think that nursing was more important to me than you were. You are the most important person in my world, Tom. I love you."

The heat between them increased as he sighed, and she stepped closer to him.

"And you should know that I've decided to wait until after the wedding before I seek more nursing positions, so I can be certain it will be possible to do both."

Tom's scowl melted into a smile, and before Sybil knew it, they were kissing again. As they came up for air, Tom discretely pulled her into a corner so they could kiss even more.

There was something different about this kiss. Maybe it was they were doing so in the type of place Sybil had always been discouraged to go. Or maybe it was because they'd just reconciled from an intense row. But it felt so much more than all their other kisses. As if it were the only one that truly counted. Tom's mouth felt like a combination of fire and home on hers, and his hands were where she belonged.

Finally, they looked at each other, breathing deeply, their foreheads pressing into each other. She could feel Tom's heartbeat from his chest, pounding in tune with hers, and that encouraged her to explain more. "It really hurt me, for you to think that I might put something above you, Tom," she said softly. "I was already upset because of what O'Shea said, and I expected you to sympathize with me. You've always encouraged my nursing, and I hated that you didn't that time."

Tom nodded. "I see that now," he said slowly. "But it struck a nerve when you thought it was silly that he expected you to 'put your husband first.'"

Sybil nodded again. In the background, motors honked, bicycles zipped by, and people walked through the streets, chatting. Suddenly she felt self-conscious and stepped away a bit.

Then Tom looked at the Irish Times office. "I should go to work now but thank you for coming to see me this morning, Sybil." He smiled at her, showing his love.

Sybil smiled back, feeling light and happy again.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Sybil was also happy as people responded to her invitations. Sheena agreed to come right away, along with her husband, Nolan, and of course, Jimmy. Uncle Conner also said he would be there. Brigid wrote that she would like to come but couldn't afford it. Nor could she take time away from the farm.

Sybil studied the letter, desperately wishing there was a way that the woman she admired so could attend her wedding.

"What do you think of sending Brigid Papa's money so she, Sean, and Catlin could see us marry?" she asked Tom one evening, as she finished washing the dishes.

He scowled, as he always did, when Sybil mentioned Papa's money. "I think Brigid doesn't need it."

Sybil wiped the soap off her hands and shook her head. "But she does need it. I want her to come to our wedding, Tom, and I know you do, too. Your mother would like to see her. This would be a way for those things to happen."

Tom shook his head violently. "It's just not worth it, Sybil." His voice grew louder.

Sighing, Sybil saw that irritating arrogance in Tom again. "Why? It was worth it for us to use the money to visit her a few weeks ago. And you've made it perfectly clear we won't be using it for anything else for our married life."

"It's still not a good idea," Tom said, is voice louder still.

Why was this man so frustrating? He made her blood boil sometimes. "Again, I ask, why?" Sybil said, her voice just as loud.

Suddenly, she realized how close the were standing. She could fee his breath on her face and see every line of tension on his face. From the way his expression changed, he realized it at the same moment.

Their mouths connected at the same time, and there was another explosion in the kitchen.

OOOOOOOOOO

While Brigid's attendance remained uncertain, there was another response that caused an explosion in the kitchen. From Downton.

Much to Sybil's disappointment, neither Mama nor Papa would attend the wedding. Sybil stared at the response for a moment, soaking it into her head. She'd been hoping both her family and Tom's would come after all. She knew they would get along better than they thought if they were both had the will to try.

But Mary and her fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle, along with Edith, would come.

Mrs. Branson's eyes grew as large as her head when she heard. "More fancy English ladies in my flat? And even a lord?" She spat out the word as if she couldn't stand the taste of it. "I suppose we will have to make this place shine if it's going to be good enough for them." She shook her head. "I don't see how I'll have time to wash all the floors with all the laundry, but we'll have to do it." She paused and glared at Sybil. "I suggest you get some water and gets started, considering they're your people."

Sybil shook her head as she continued reading the letter. "I'm not certain that will be necessary, Mrs. Branson. It says here they're going to stay at the hotel. And Sir Richard Carlisle isn't actually a lord. He has been knighted and owns a number of newspapers."

"But of course," she grumbled. "My flat is obviously too good for them. I still expect you to clean this place thoroughly, though. Your sisters will want to inspect the place you've been staying." Sybil's stomach sank as she realized the other woman was right. She could picture Mary doing that. Suddenly, all Sybil could see were smudges on the stove and remember dust in the living room.

"And a knighted English newspaper man?" Mrs. Branson shuttered in horror. "I think I would have preferred a lord to a man who will purposely poke his nose into our business to get the 'story.' And what will he do to Tommy?" Sybil heartbeat faster as she realized her future mother – in – law was right. As Tom worked for an Irish newspaper, Richard Carlisle would likely provoke him. Either that or try to use Tom's position to get information about the Irish press.

She'd have to warn Tom. Why didn't Mary sack Carlisle for Mathew? Mathew was a much better person, and it was obvious to everyone that Mary and Mathew still loved each other.

But for now, Sybil picked up the bucket, ready to fill it with water to scrub every section of this flat. Just before she left, she heard Mrs. Branson say, "I should thank the Lord the earl isn't coming."

OOOOOOOOOO

Sybil spent the next few days cleaning every spot in both Mrs. Branson's flat and the new one she would share with Tom after their wedding. It was about the same size as Mrs. Branson's but would be gloriously private. She found herself daydreaming about living there all the time as she cleaned.

Tom informed her that several of his family members were pooling their money together to buy them a bed as a wedding present, which excited Sybil even more. She wondered when it would be delivered.

Finally deciding to simply send Brigid Papa's money, Sybil did so. It was her wedding, and Papa had given her the money to do as she wished. Tom would just have to accept it; after all, she didn't have to obey him.

As Sybil accepted, the Branson's were overjoyed that they would see Brigid again in another few days, and Sean and Catlin. It was decided Brigid would stay with Sheena and Sean and Catlin with Mrs. Branson.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The night before the wedding, Sean and Catlin told their grandma all about school and the sheep. Tom was absent, as Sybil couldn't see him before the wedding, but the children were certainly lively company. "Fluffy, the little lamb we had this year is my favorite," said Catlin. "Her wool is so soft, and she has these cute little eyes."

"She sounds wonderful," Mrs. Branson said as she threw another piece of fish into the frying pan.

"I wish I could see more of the ram," Sean said, grumbling in a way that reminded Sybil of Tom. "But Mam keeps him separate from all the other sheep and tells us we can't go near him, because he's too temperamental."

"Then you'd best listen to your Mam on that," Mrs. Branson said firmly, looking her grandson in the eye.

Meanwhile, Sybil swept up the latest crumbs with the broom, determined to make the kitchen shine with cleanliness. A loud knock made her heart jump in surprise. All of Tom's relatives had already made plans for tonight.

Still, Sybil put the broom away and answered the door.

Mary, Edith, and Sir Richard stood on the other side. "Hello," Sybil said brightly, trying not to show her nerves. "Would you like to come inside?" She was glad she'd cleaned the flat several times.

Mary stepped into the flat with what appeared to be a neutral expression; her oldest sister was better than Papa at hiding emotions as she had less of a temper. But Sybil saw the way Mary's eyes glanced over the flat and finding it wanting. Mary's nose also seemed to inhale the smell of fried fish and found it inappropriate.

But Sybil smiled anyway, knowing it to be Mary's way. "This is my sister Mary, and her fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle, and my other sister, Edith."

"How happy we are to grace your presence here," Mrs. Branson said a bit sarcastically as she flipped the fish. "I'm afraid this isn't what you're used to." She gestured to the small kitchen and dining area.

Mary pressed her lips but said nothing.

Catlin's eyes grew wide with delight as she saw both Mary and Edith. "You're such pretty ladies." And indeed, Mary looked lovely with her dark purple traveling dress and matching hat with flowers. Edith wore a deep blue dress and white hat made of silk.

Edith immediately leaned down and smiled at the little girl. "Thank you."

"We would like to take Sybil to dinner tonight, as it is the night before the wedding," Mary said in a polite, but slightly condescending voice.

"Of course, you would," Mrs. Branson said in the same sarcastic voice. She flipped the fish again. "I suppose fish is too good for you tonight, Sybil."

"I always enjoy your fish," Sybil said meeting the other woman's eyes. "But as I haven't seen my sisters in over a month, I would like to have dinner with them, as long as it is all right with you."

Mrs. Branson sighed and nodded, but as they left for the hotel, Sybil thought she heard the woman say, "at least the earl isn't coming."

OOOOOOOOOO

The dining room at the hotel consisted of silk tablecloths, crystal goblets, and China dishes. Sybil saw Mary visibly relax as soon as they entered the room, and she understood why. This was a world Mary understood and was comfortable, so Sybil was willing to indulge her.

"Look at the dinner selection, Sybil," Mary said as the studied the menus. "Lobster thermidor, chicken with white wine sauce, blueberry glazed ham…We had so many of them at Downton. Do you miss any of them?

"I'm certain you have missed the Cornish gaming hen," Edith said quietly, studying her own menu. "It was always your favorite meal."

Pausing, Sybil remembered fondly the taste of the hen, so similar to chicken, yet so much better because each breast was stuffed with moist bread with herbs. "I think I will order that tonight."

Mary nodded triumphantly. "You do realize you will never be able to taste it again after tonight if you do marry Branson."

Sybil's temper snapped as she realized her sisters were still trying to convince her to leave Tom and return to Downton with them. "Yes, and it's not all that important," she said briefly letting her hands fly in the air, even though they were in a fancy restaurant. "What is important is that I will marry the man I love and live a life I am better suited for than the one I left." Being around all the finery in this restaurant only reminded Sybil how superficial she found everything in this world. Despite Mrs. Branson's resentment of Sybil that still flared occasionally, Sybil felt more at home in her kitchen.

"But Sybil," Mary sighed. "This isn't a 'grand adventure' you enjoy because of the novelty. It's a real life, and after tomorrow, it cannot be changed."

"I know," Sybil said, staring at her sister in the eye. "Perhaps when I first arrived, I thought it was an adventure, despite how much I loved Tom then and still love him now. I quickly realized that wasn't the case." Her "grand adventure" ended the day Sybil realized Mrs. Branson had Spanish Flu. "I understand much better how different the lifestyle is and I've changed my expectations accordingly." Her mind flashed to how different her wedding would be than what she'd first thought and how she may even have to give up nursing for a life with Tom in Ireland.

"I just don't wish you to be full of regrets because you are too busy trying to prove yourself to realize what you truly want," Mary said sadly. "You are my sister, and I love you."

Sybil nodded, feeling her anger disappear at her sister's words. Mary rarely spoke of love, so when she did, she knew to take her seriously. "I love you, too, but I'll never regret marrying Tom; I love him." She wanted to add that if Mary wasn't careful, she'd be the one full of regrets. Sybil still couldn't believe Mary hadn't sacked Sir Richard. Sitting at this table, it was clearer than ever that they would never love each other. They didn't exchange smiles as Mama and Papa often did nor read each other's expressions as Sybil and Tom sometimes did.

And Sir Richard had been almost completely silent since they'd left Mrs. Branson's flat. In a way, it was nice, as he was giving the sisters a chance to speak to each other, but Sir Richard had a way of looking that made Sybil believe he was soaking all the information around him up for his own use.

How could Mary ever trust such a man, let alone marry him? Her Tom was a newspaper man, too, but he was far more honorable than Sir Richard.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"How are things at Downton?" Sybil asked as they all began nibbling at their dinner. The Cornish Hen tasted amazing, but she could survive without it.

"Mama has improved quite a bit since you left," Mary said, giving a real smile for the first time this evening.

Edith nodded. "We have all noticed her eating more and staying downstairs again after dinner for the past few weeks."

Relief flooded Sybil as she heard that. "That's wonderful. I was certain she would recover when I left; I wouldn't have done so otherwise, but it's so nice to hear that she has."

"Speaking of Mama, she asked me to give you this little wedding present." Mary reached into her pocket and placed a silk handkerchief on the table. Mama's famous embroidery seemed to be sewn in on the sides.

Sybil picked it up to examine it closer. Mama had stitched "Sybil Branson" on the handkerchief. Sybil's heart filled with gratitude and love as she studied her new official name. She also hid a letter inside the handkerchief, penned on Downton's stationary.

"It's more of her American sentimentalism, of course, but I said I'd give it to you anyway," said Mary, her voice cutting through as Sybil examined her gift.

Mary had always dismissed Mama as too emotional and sentimental, probably because she didn't understand those things very well. But Sybil loved their mother's emotions, considering she could be just as expressive herself. "Tell Mama I love her gift," Sybil said to Mary with a nod.

OOOOOOOOOOO

That night, after Sean and Catlin were asleep, Sybil opened her handkerchief again and read Mama's letter. She found it far more moving than she would've ever expected.

Dear Sybil,

I wish you every happiness on your wedding day, and I apologize for not attending.

Believe me, missing your wedding, no matter who you choose to marry or where you choose to have it, was not an easy decision for me. In fact, I seriously thought coming, no matter what your Papa said.

Eyes widening, Sybil read those words repeatedly. She had never known her mother to defy Papa like that. Certainly not in such an extreme way. But Mama had considered it… for Sybil.

But in the end, I couldn't. Not right now. I'm afraid I've been neglecting father for far too long, because of the war, and I need to put him first. You'll understand this one day when you have your own children. There will be times when you must put Mr. Branson first, as painful as it can be.

I hope you and Mr. Branson have a happy life together, and I firmly believe your Papa will accept him someday. You know as well as I do that your father doesn't like change. He also extremely worried about you. But your Papa is a very loyal man who loves his family fiercely. He will do the same for Mr. Branson eventually.

When Papa gave her and Tom his blessing, Sybil had believed that, but when she heard, he wouldn't come to the wedding, she wondered. But now, Sybil nodded. Someday he would.

I wish I could say I'm not worried as well, but that would be a lie. But I love you enough to understand this is right for you, Sybil. And if it's done for true love, changing your life is worth it.

Love,

Mama

That was Mama, always trying to understand everyone, although Sybil didn't know why she thought she knew so much about a person changing their life. In the twenty years she'd known Mama, she did nothing except sit on charity boards, schedule dress fittings, and do beautiful embroidery.

Then Sybil thought again. What about before Mama had moved to England? Hadn't she changed her life for love as well?

Though she and Mama had very different lifestyles these days, Sybil suddenly felt very close to Mama. For years, Sybil had thought her parents' relationship was sweet. Their shared smiles over the dinner table. Their occasional walks around the estate, just to spend time together. Papa's habit of stroking Mama's cheek or even kissing her when he thought no one was looking.

If Mama thought she could have the same love with Tom, and it appeared she did, that meant more than her presence at the wedding ever could.

Dabbing her eyes with her new handkerchief, Sybil finally put the letter aside and laid down.

OOOOOOOOOO

Sybil gazed deeply into Tom's hazel eyes the next day, as they stood together in the priest's study.

"Do you take Thomas here present for your lawful husband, according to rite of our holy mother, the church?" Father Hayes asked her the next day.

Sybil's smile widened as she drank in his huge grin. "I do."

"Do you take Sybil here present for your lawful wife, according to the rite of our holy mother, the church?" Father Hayes then asked Tom.

"I do," he said in his deep, sexy voice full of joy.

Then Sybil recited the vows she'd been instructed to memorize. "I, Sybil, take you Tom for my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, until death do us part." The words flowed easily off her tongue because she truly meant all of them. And of course, Tom had been right. There was no reference to 'obey' in her vows at all.

Next, Tom repeated the same vows to Sybil, his hazel eyes gazing into hers with love and tenderness that made her heart explode.

"Do you have a ring?" Father Hayes said to Tom next. He nodded and presented a small, plain gold band. Her heart exploded even more as she gazed at the tiny token. How much of his paycheck did that ring cost him? "Place it on her finger and say, "Sybil, I give you this ring as a token of my love and fidelity in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

Tom slipped the small piece of metal on left hand and repeated the words. And they were married. In the tiny room in the back of the church, where there were barely enough room for their guests to stand, they were married.

Tom's warm lips peppered kisses all over Sybil's face, and she did the same, not caring how inappropriate her sisters would say she was. Tom's face felt real and full of love.

Finally, Sybil turned to her sisters, ignoring the pity and disappointment in Mary's eyes. "I'm so happy you two talked us out of eloping," she said, giving Mary and Edith a simultaneous hug. "This is so much better." Here, she had her sisters, several of Tom's relatives, and a wedding band.

Mary was quiet for several moments. No doubt her oldest sister was remembering that she'd talked Sybil out of eloping with the hope of her not marrying Tom at all. But that didn't matter anymore. Finally, Mary sighed. "I suppose I'm glad you seem to be happy."

It was a big step for Mary, and it warmed Sybil's heart. "Thank you so much."

"We're all glad you're happy," Sir Richard Carlisle said in his deep authoritative voice, like he had the ability to speak for everyone in Sybil's family. She wanted to slap him across the face. As if he had authority over them just because he was a man. And he and Mary weren't even wed yet!

Instead, Sybil stared back at him, showing that he couldn't intimidate her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tom smile proudly at her in response, and she felt her heart swell again.

"I just hope I can find someone to marry," Edith said with a sigh. She looked from Sybil's new husband to Mary's fiancé and shook her head.

Sybil ignored Mary's whisper of "Edith!" and took her other sister's hands in hers. "It will happen for you, too. But if I can give you some advice, don't just look for traditional gentlemen." Edith had enjoyed caring for the soldiers during the war just as much as Sybil had, but for some reason, now that the war was over, she thought she had to return to her former life. And if all that was left of 'traditional gentlemen' were men like Carlisle, Edith should definitely look elsewhere.

Next, Sybil greeted Brigid, still overjoyed to see the woman she admired so at her wedding. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I am, too," Tom said sincerely, squeezing Sybil's hand and looking at her out of the corner of his hazel eyes. Sybil nodded, understanding that Tom knew she'd been right to send the money.

Brigid nodded with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. "I'm glad to see Mam again, and it's nice to see you both happy today. Maybe this will be a permanent wedding."

Sybil understood that meant Tom's older sister didn't fully trust her yet. "I appreciate what you told me about changing my expectations, and in the past few weeks, I understand more what you meant, and have begun to do so," she said, hoping to change the woman's mind, especially as Sybil looked up to her so much. "And I truly love Tom."

Tom's hand squeezed hers again at that comment, and once again, he kissed her cheek with his warm lips. "I truly love you, too," he whispered in Sybil's ear.

Brigid nodded. "That's good to hear."

Mrs. Branson looked around at the guests in the back room of the church. "Well, I made oatmeal biscuits to celebrate if anyone wants some."

Sean and Catlin squealed with delight, while most of the guests nodded.

"If we can call a wedding with no Communion and held outside the proper sanctuary something to celebrate," Mrs. Branson said sarcastically as they all headed outside the church.

I will be bumping the rating of this story to "M" for the next chapter.