Rose' s Coming Out (Yorkshire AU)

"… And I'm almost ready for London!" Rose said, her eyes widening and sparkling with excitement. "I have chosen blue silk for the at home and white satin for the presentation. Naturally, I will be fitted for my ball gown in London, but I've chosen material with a shade of pink." They sat in the Downton library, enjoying their tea before the family left for London the next day. "I'm told they suit my figure perfectly."

"That's nice, Rose," Sybil said, trying to be patient with her younger cousin. Fancy gowns no longer meant much to Sybil, but she tried to appreciate how important this event was to Rose.

Papa shared a book with Constance, and even Mama had taken a break from the London preparations to enjoy tea and her granddaughter. They both still insisted on referring to her as "Sybbie," but the little girl had finally returned the favor, calling Papa "Donk," much to his frustration.

Mary was probably touring the estate with Tom. Tragically, Mathew had died two years ago, but he'd given Mary his share of the estate. And even though she hated Mathew's death, and they all missed him, the estate had given Sybil's oldest sister a purpose. More than that, Mary had blossomed into someone Sybil could respect, instead of just the girl who pretended to only care about dresses and parties,

"And you're certain you will be able to come to my ball?" Rose said, asking the same question she'd posed to Sybil three times in the past week. She certainly thought parties, dresses, and men were central to the world.

Sybil sighed. She sipped her tea.

"Yes, Rose, Tom and I will both be at your ball." Her husband was still not comfortable with these types of events, but she'd explained why it was so essential to her cousin. At least he would be nowhere near the king. And Sybil loved how he would do things that were important to her and her family.

Rose nodded, her eyes even brighter. "That's wonderful, that he will be there, too. I like your husband, Sybil, and I would like to see more of him. I love the fact that he used to be your chauffeur!" She giggled a little, pausing to nibble on a biscuit. "I should examine some of the footmen at the London balls I attend. Or even a taxi driver. Some of them are quite lookers, and it would drive Mummy absolutely mad if I married one." She laughed, much louder this time, at that last comment.

Sybil put down her tea, growing more and more annoyed with her cousin. "Rose, you need to be careful about who you choose to wed."

Huffing, Rose shook her head. Her expression looked far too much like Cousin Susan when she became cross. "You certainly weren't careful about who you chose to wed, so why should I?"

"Actually, I was far more careful than anyone realized," Sybil said, her right hand flying in frustration. She had thought she'd moved past her family's judgement of her marriage. "I struggled with the possiblity of marrying Tom for months before I decided to do so, and we were close friends for even longer. I knew if I married him, we would likely move to Ireland, and his family would resent me at first. I also knew I would live my life without balls, fancy clothing, or servants."

Rose's eyes widened as Sybil spoke. "I thought you must have at least a cook. And you're both coming to my ball, so they cannot be that unusual."

Sybil shook her head, ignoring the fact that Papa had offered to hire a maid for her and Tom when they'd returned to Yorkshire, and they'd turned him down. "No, I am afraid our life is much simpler in our cottage. And we're only coming to your ball to support you."

Rose didn't say anything, but her wide eyes still looked intently at Sybil.

Sybil sighed, reminding herself how much Rose had always admired her, as another free – spirited young woman. "Look, if you honestly fall in love with a footman or a taxi driver, I'll be on your side, Rose. I can tell you from personal experience that it is worth marrying the man you love. But you need to think about what love is and what you truly want."

Sybil picked up her teacup again and took another sip.

Sighing, Rose said, "I just know I don want to have a marriage like my parents." She wrinkled her nose a bit. "They certainly didn't have love."

Sipping her tea, Sybil nodded, her memory returning to what she'd seen of Rose's parents. They seemed to avoid each other whenever possible when her family had visited in the past. From what Sybil understood, Rose's parents had grown even worse in their last visit, hurling insults, and passive aggressive comments at each other that made everyone at Duneagle uncomfortable.

"That's understandable, Rose, but don't rule out marrying a titled gentleman that you meet at a ball, either" Sybil said. "My parents met at such a ball, after all." She glanced at them across the library fondly, both of them still absorbed in the children's book they were reading to Constance. As much as her parents' lifestyle bothered Sybil and Papa frustrated her to no end, she knew they loved each other.

"And even though they didn't meet at ball, Mary's husband had an important position, being set to inherit Downton," Sybil added, trying to keep the resentment out of her voice about that. It didn't matter now that Mathew was dead, and he'd given Mary his share of the estate.

"Quite," Rose said, smiling.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Sybil entered her bedroom later that night after her last load of laundry had been finished, chuckling at Rose's combination of innocence and eagerness.

"What's so funny?" Tom asked, sitting on the bed, his bare chest in full view.

"It's Rose," Sybil said, still chuckling as she removed her simple cotton skirt and blouse. "She was talking to me about her coming out ball in London again this afternoon. It's difficult to believe that I was ever that excited about a ball, but I suppose I was when I was eighteen."

Despite herself, a wave of nostalgia washed over Sybil, remembering her excitement of selecting the right materials for her gowns, Mama and Papa's pride as she was presented, and the many people who attended a ball in her honor. "It was a wonderful experience."

"What's so wonderful about being presented to a pompous king who knows nothing of his people and dancing with a bunch of lords who didn't know the real you?" Tom's voice asked as Sybil pulled her nightgown over her head.

Sybil sighed. Three years ago, Tom would have been far angrier, speaking about the king and the aristocratic lifestyle. He'd learned to accept more now, but there was still an edge to his voice if you listened closely.

"The king isn't as bad as you think," Sybil said firmly as she walked toward their bed. "And at the time, my ball made me feel like a real lady, just like my older sisters."

Tom sighed and shook his head. "But that's not you, Sybil."

"It isn't anymore," Sybil said with a nod. "And I don't regret leaving that world for a moment. I'd much rather have a simple life in our cottage with you than be a 'great lady.'" She made a face, remembering how frivolous Rose's eagerness sounded this afternoon.

Breaking into a grin, Tom pulled her into his arms. "Thank you for saying that. I knew it, but hearing you remember your coming out fondly, I thought… I don't know. It doesn't matter, mo ghra."

Sybil stared deeply into his blue eyes, her heart swelling at the use of their special endearment. Her husband was normally so confident, it was surprising to hear him a bit insecure about their relationship, but she supposed it made sense, considering how much they'd both changed since they were young. "You're right, mo ghra," she said using the endearment herself as she leaned closer to his face. "It doesn't matter." With that, their lips touched, still feeling his warm arms wrapped around her.

"But this ball is still important to Rose and my family, so we should make an appearance," Sybil said as they withdrew but still enveloped in each other's arms. "I wish we didn't have to leave Constance behind, but the two of us can have a little adventure in London."

As frivolous as she found the ball, excitement welled inside Sybil when she thought of a new adventure, and she squeezed Tom's torso. When they were first married, they'd enjoyed several such escapades and quests, but it had been a couple of years since they'd had one.

Tom peppered her face with playful, tingling kisses, showing how much, he looked forward to their holiday as well. "Yes. I know you love your job, and I don't mind trying to assist the tenants and your family, but a day or two in London with you sounds wonderful."

"So, you'll tolerate the ball?" Sybil said seriously, gazing deep into his eyes. Naturally, he'd already agreed, but she wished to make certain, especially with the edge in his voice several moments ago.

Sighing, Tom nodded. "Besides, I promised your father I would bring Isis to London for him in the motor."

Sybil grinned, leaning closer to him so she could feel his breathe on her cheek. "And we cannot neglect Isis, can we?" It had surprised her that Tom was just as much of a dog lover as Papa, but it was endearing to see them bond over Isis.

Tom grinned as well. "No, we cannot." With that, he kissed her much more deeply, covering his body with hers, and her hands touched the firm muscles that covered his chest

XXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOO

"I believe we are set for Rose's coming out," Cora said brightly to Robert as she touched his chest in the safety of her room. "Rose and I have made several trips to Ripon and have arranged to have the rest of them in London. And Mother and Harold are prepared to meet us at Grantham House in a few days."

Robert sighed, obviously not looking forward to hosting Cora's mother and brother; he found them a bit too much. Still, Cora smiled, as she enjoyed her family's visits and appreciated his efforts to accommodate them.

"I just wish Rose would be a bit more predictable," Robert said, shaking his head. "I like her, but in the last year and half since she's lived at Downton, I can barely keep up with her." Cora nodded and increased her caresses. Even she found Rose a lot to handle sometimes, and Robert still found change a bit too overwhelming.

"And I think she admires Sybil a bit too much," he said. "They certainly were cozy this afternoon, although I tried to focus on our sweet Sybbie."

Cora immediately stopped caressing his chest, disappointed in her husband.

She'd thought he'd finally come around to their youngest daughter's choices. "Our Sybil has done well for herself with the hospital and even with her husband." It had been a struggle for them to accept a former chauffeur into their family, but he was good to Sybil and Sybbie, and had clever ideas for the estate.

The room was silent for a moment, and Robert's eyes looked away int the dark. "That's not what I meant," he said finally. "Sybil was much more prepared for a different lifestyle than I ever thought, and Tom is all right, I suppose. I'm glad he's available to take care of Isis. I just do not believe Rose is ready for such a change."

Humbled and overwhelmed by his words, Cora resumed caressing him. "I love you," she said, needing to say it out loud this time. Robert smiled and kissed her lips, feeling the love in his response.

"And I'm sorry for doubting your meaning," she said when they withdrew. "You may be correct about Rose, though," Cora said thoughtfully. She was rather rebellious, but she was also much more impulsive than their Sybil ever was. She clearly didn't know what she wanted, even at twenty-one years of age.

"And then there is Cousin Susan's reaction…" Cora shook her head, remembering how snobbish Rose's mother could be. She'd allowed Cora to bring her out in London with the hope that Rose would find the best possible match.

Nodding, Robert placed his hands on top of Cora's, causing her to feel deliciously warm and inspiring her confidence. "I'll have to introduce her to as many titled young men as possible. No doubt she'll be invited to a lot of balls this season, as she is so friendly."

Robert's smile was brighter than a fully lit dining room, even in the dim light.

"Of course, you will, darling," he said, covering her face and neck with little kisses.

"And I know you're looking forward to visiting the palace and the king again, despite all the other complications," Cora said, giggling a little as continued to shower her with kisses.

Pausing, Robert chuckled at her teasing. "But of course."

She knew his love of king and country was in his bones. So she pulled those bones closer to her and kissed him deeply.