Yorkshire

Cora tried to hide it, but she couldn't help but feel particularly happy that Tom had finally agreed to accept the agent's job, so Sybil and Sybbie would be nearby. A large grin often grew on her face when Tom and Sybil weren't looking.

The rest of their family didn't bother to hide their enthusiasm.

Mathew discussed his ideas for renovating the estate with Tom's help after each dinner for the next few days. Mary and Edith eagerly chatted with Sybil about outings they would partake after the trip to Duneagle this year. Mama discussed all the benefits that Sybbie would enjoy by being close to their family.

Even Robert spoke to both Tom and Sybil about their move to the agent's cottage, obviously trying to make it as easy as possible. Cora's heart glowed that he no longer scowled at their son – in – law but spoke civilly. "Naturally, you are welcome to use any of the motors to carry your belongings into the house," he said one afternoon during tea.

Sybil smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Papa," she said, her voice showing how happy she was.

"We appreciate that, Lord Grantham," Tom said as well.

Cora watched the exchange from the settee, her chest warming in a way that hand nothing to do with her tea.

"And I'll provide you with your own maid, as well," Robert said, ignoring the way Sybil and Tom shook their heads at this. "I will place an advertisement in The Lady, but I also intend to ask about maids at Duneagle."

"No, Papa," Sybil said firmly when he'd finished. "We don't need or want a maid. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of the house."

Robert shook his head in response. "But you shouldn't have to do that here, Sybil," he said, his voice growing louder. "Now that you are nearby, I can provide you with a couple of servants. The cottage even has three bedrooms, so there is room for her to stay there." He finished his tea in one gulp, and stood up, as if that would make his point stronger.

Tom stood directly in front of Robert, obviously not at all intimidated. Scowling, he almost shouted, "Did you hear what Sybil just said? 'We don't need nor want a maid, or any live – in – servants, for that matter."

Robert shook his head and pointed his finger at Tom. "You need to accept that Sybil is used to living with servants, whether it offends your socialist ideals or not."

Sybil stood next to her father, shouting herself. "Papa, I don't want a maid anymore than Tom does, and I hate the implication that I cannot speak for myself; I don't 'obey' what my husband wants." Her hands flew in her anger.

"Don't be foolish, Sybil, of course you want a maid now that you have the opportunity for one," Robert said, shouting in return and pounding his fist in the air. "Even Cousin Isabel has a combination of cook and maid."

Cora's heart broke as she watched her family argue again. They had just been conversing so well only moments ago. "Robert," she said carefully, in the same voice that always calmed him.

"Don't push these opportunities away just because of your pride, Sybil" Mary said practically, speaking up for the first time as she chose a biscuit from the table. "There is nothing wrong with allowing some help."

Sybil sighed and shook her head. "I understand that it works for all of you and that's fine." Her voice was softer this time but just as determined. "But Tom and I prefer to have no servants in our home; it's very freeing for us." Despite the painful situation, Cora couldn't help but notice the way Tom and Sybil's eyes met in agreement at that statement. At least they were a team again.

Shaking his own head, Robert said, "Have either of you thought that you could be providing employment for someone who desperately needs a job by having a maid?" Cora looked at her husband a bit proudly at that, both that his voice wasn't as thunderous and the meaning behind it. She'd always adored at how important it was for him to provide jobs for people who needed them, and she couldn't help but nod in agreement.

But Sybil met her Papa's eyes and said, "Papa, I'm sorry to tell you, but people don't need serving jobs as much as you believe; there are a lot of new opportunities now. In fact, I'm planning on returning to work at the hospital soon."

"You still should have a maid, Sybil, especially if you're going to be a nurse when you don't have to," Robert said, his voice growing louder again. Mentioning how fast things were changing was not a good way to put him in a good mood when he was already on edge.

"I don't need one, Papa," Sybil said, her hands flying again. "I've thought this through; I can work at the hospital part – time, while still being able to cook and clean in the mornings and afternoons. I would appreciate it if you hired a nanny for Constance, that would work here, however. We thought I could drop her here in the mornings and pick her up after tea."

Sybil and Tom's eyes met in agreement again, and Cora grew in excitement, despite how tense the room still was. She could see her granddaughter every afternoon with that plan!

But Robert still shook his head. "I would be happy to provide you with a nanny, Sybil but you need a maid as well; you truly don't understand these things."

Shaking his head, Tom stood next to Robert with another scowl on his face. "It's you who doesn't understand, Sybil, Lord Grantham."

With that final blow, Robert left the library, slamming the door on its way. And Cora's heart broke again.

After a moment, she left the library; Cora knew his anger came from extreme hurt. She quickly noticed Robert on his way up the stairs. He walked steadily, trying to behave more like a gentleman and hide his emotions from the servants. "Darling," she said softly as soon as she reached him. "Sybil didn't mean that the way it sounded; she's not trying to reject you."

Sighing, Robert turned toward Cora, his anger fading from his expression but his eyes showing the hidden pain. "Perhaps not, but I think I'll ring for Bates and go riding this afternoon. Or perhaps walking with Isis."

Cora placed her hands on both of his shoulders, briefly enjoying his muscles despite the circumstances. "I think that is a good idea." Exercising one of his animals had always been relaxing for Robert.

A small smile appeared on his face, despite how much pain was still in his eyes. "Thank you, Cora," he said into her ear, as his lips landed on her cheek. "I just wish Sybil wouldn't refuse everything I try to give her."

Cora's heart broke again at that statement.

When she returned to the library, Sybil was still discussing her plans for her new home with Tom. "… and I should come with you to the house tomorrow so I can set up the kitchen. Do we have our own dishes yet?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the possiblity of overseeing the kitchen, and Cora realized just how important it was for her youngest daughter to control her own home, without a maid.

"Sybil, I do wish you would have been less pushy with your Papa today," Cora said gently, as she sat back down. "He's very hurt right now."

Sybil's eyes immediately turned toward Cora, her eyes all fire. "Well, I'm quite hurt that Papa wants me to be someone I'm not, Mama. Tom was right; Papa doesn't understand me at all anymore."

Tom nodded in agreement.

Sighing, Cora said. "I know it seems that way, but he's trying, and you refusing all the things he wants to give you doesn't help, Sybil; he feels as if you are rejecting him."

"But we have the right to live the way we want to, no matter what Lord Grantham wants," Tom said, another scowl developing on his face.

Cora sighed again. They were missing her point. "Yes, you do, and I know what a sacrifice it was for you to agree to live here in the first place," she said meeting Tom's eyes in understanding as she remembered what they had discussed the impact of being an outsider. Then she turned toward Sybil. "But I wish you explain your decision to my husband in a way that doesn't make him feel as if you don't want anything he's trying to give you out of love."

Sybil's eyes lost their fire. "Tell, Papa I haven't rejected everything he's given me. The best gifts I've ever received from him was his blessing for marrying Tom, allowing us to stay here after we had to leave Dublin, and attending Constance's baptism. Speaking of Constance, I think she needs to be fed again." She stood up.

Cora finally smiled again, and her heart soared. "I would, but I think they would mean more if they came from you, Sybil."

Sybil nodded and headed upstairs.

OOOOOOOOOOO

After dinner, Sybil spoke quietly to Robert, and they hugged when they were finished.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"You and Sybil had nice conversation tonight," Cora said with a big smile as they climbed into bed.

Robert nodded, his eyes still a bit somber, but with much less pain. "She still insists she doesn't want a maid, but she told me about things I've given her in the past year – things that I don't usually see as gifts, but she believes they are worth everything."

"They were worth everything, darling," Cora said, wrapping her arms around his chest, feeling his warmth. "And I know accepting them was more difficult than anyone realizes."

He stroked her cheek in response, a favorite gesture between the two of them. "Thank you, Cora," Robert said, his eyes shining with sincerity. Then his arms wrapped around her in return, squeezing her body closer to his in a way that made her tingle.

"And with their nanny working here, we will be able to see little Sybbie every day," Cora said, remembering something that had excited her earlier. She pictured herself cuddling the baby instead of bothering with tea.

"Quite," Robert said, kissing her deeply.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Sybil, Sybbie, and Tom moved into the agent's cottage while the rest of their family went to Duneagle for their holiday. When they returned, Robert found a nanny which Sybil approved, and she began working at the hospital again, although with more limited hours.

As Cora had predicted, Sybbie's presence became much more interesting than afternoon tea, but she also enjoyed seeing Sybil every day. Rather than finding everything overwhelming, her youngest daughter flourished with the opportunity to work and manage her own home.

Meanwhile, Tom and Mathew proceeded with their plans for modernizing the estate, much to Robert's frustration. At least the yearly cricket game was approaching, so there was something for him to focus.

Near the end of September, Cora decided she must take Sybil out to luncheon for her birthday, especially considering her plans for last year had not worked. She invited Sybil for luncheon at a local café, during her short break at the hospital.

To Cora's relief, her daughter agreed. "But it will have to be the café across the street from the hospital, and I must stay in uniform, as I only have a short break."

Cora nodded and they eagerly walked to the café. "I am just happy to be able to celebrate your birthday with you this year," she said as they both sat down at table.

Sybil nodded, a large smile on her face. "I admit, the last few months have been a bit rocky, but now this year seems even better than last. And I've heard that Tom has done what Mathew couldn't even manage to do; he's convinced Papa to accept the renovations for the estate." Her eyes sparkled with pride, typical for a wife when their husband has done something great.

Cora chuckled, remembering the day Robert had finally accepted that. "And Edith has taken that writing job in London. Your Granny talked your Papa into accepting that, too."

Sybil's eyes widened in shock and her smile grew in delight. But her response was interrupted by a waiter, asking them for orders. Cora and Sybil both ordered sandwiches and tea, and Cora added a small cake for her daughter's birthday.

"So, Edith is writing? Truly?" Sybil said, returning to their previous conversation when the waiter disappeared. "That's wonderful; I had hoped Edith would, but Granny's support is surprising, to say the least."

Chuckling again, Cora remembered everyone's surprise, especially Isabel's, when Mama had encouraged Edith with this opportunity, as the woman could be more old-fashioned and narrow-minded than Robert. "Your Granny can be unpredictable at times." Pausing, she wondered if she should mention Sybil's new attire on such a day; they were supposed to be celebrating her birthday.

Her youngest daughter still wore her hair in the shorter, bob style that was rather attractive on her now that Cora had become used to it. But what was unnerving was that Sybil still wore no corset, even though her body had obviously recovered since giving birth. It was one thing to wear no corset to afternoon tea, as much as Robert still grumbled about it in private, but wasn't it inappropriate to dress that way at the hospital?

"And you can be a bit unpredictable, too, Sybil," Cora finally said, lowering her voice so strangers wouldn't hear. "Are you certain that ensemble is a good idea to wear to the hospital?" Her head indicated Sybil's outfit, which still obviously had no corset underneath it.

Sybil huffed. "Mama, more and more women are not wearing corsets these days. I saw plenty without them in Dublin, and one of the other nurses in the hospital doesn't wear hers either. And it was amazing how much more comfortable I was without one, despite being pregnant. So, I see no reason to wear one any longer. Soon, I doubt anyone will be willing to wear one of those silly things."

Cora kept silent, but she couldn't stop from shaking a bit at the very idea of losing her undergarments, especially in public. She liked to believe she was more willing to accept new concepts than Robert, but Sybil's ideas still often scared her. Cora's instinct was to whisk Sybil away, protecting her from wagging tongues who would no doubt judge her for her ensemble, but her daughter wouldn't appreciate it.

Sybil had already made it clear she that she would not be sheltered.

Just then, the waiter arrived and the two of them began munching on their sandwiches, while Sybil discussed the other two nurses at the hospital. "I remember Nurse Thompson from the war," she began with a nod. "She's a bit older than me, but friendly enough. Nurse Smith, on the other hand, is younger than me. I think she just finished her training last month, but she's just as eager as I was to begin."

Cora smiled, happy that Sybil was doing well at the hospital again. Still, she sipped her tea, wondering why she was subconsciously uneasy, even disregarding Sybil's lack of corset. She took another bite of sandwich, as Sybil still chattered on about the hospital, her patients, and the other nurses.

"Sybil, I'm pleased that you are doing well in the hospital again, but don't neglect your husband or your child," Cora finally said, realizing what was bothering her.

Sybil sighed and her eyes seemed to look down at Cora, even though Cora was taller than her daughter. "Mama, I know your happy with the life you have, but I need to work to feel fulfilled; it's important to me, and Tom understands that. That's one of the main reasons why we chose to stay in Yorkshire." She paused and sipped her tea.

Cora bristled, wishing her daughters would respect her more now that they were adults. Mary still dismissed her because she was "American," but Sybil appeared to have some misunderstandings, both about the type of relationship she and Robert had, and that Cora didn't understand how fulfilling work could be. It hurt, but Cora's feelings weren't important right now.

Sybil's family was what was important.

"That's not what I meant," Cora said carefully, her eyes firmly on her daughter's. "I understand how important nursing is to you and I told your husband as much when I was trying to help both of you. And I do know how fulfilling work can be, as I enjoyed managing the convalescent home during the war just as much as you did nursing." Briefly, her mind slipped to the feeling of managing everything and helping all those young men recuperate.

Sybil's eyes stared back at Cora's, her expression looking confused.

"But that was the problem," Cora said with a sigh. "I enjoyed it too much that I neglected your father and my children. There was a time when I knew all the happenings in your life Sybil, as much as I didn't always agree with them, but that you were even interested in our chauffeur, much less in love with him, was not a possibility to me because I was so focused on the convalescent home." She took another sip of tea, still feeling a bit guilty about that.

At that, Sybil sighed, a small smile developing on her face. "Don't worry about that Mama, I didn't even notice I was falling in love with Tom for a long time. I cannot blame anyone else for not noticing."

Cora finished her sandwich, then turned her attention back to Sybil. "Perhaps, but I still want to caution you about becoming too involved with your job. I don't mean that you cannot have one; just remember to speak to your husband about what is important to him, too. Don't claim your 'too busy or tired.'" Cora's mind flashed back to the times Robert had wanted to speak to her, and she'd brushed him away. "And when you do speak to him, look at him; that makes a person feel valued."

Sybil sighed again.

"Now are you ready to eat your cake before you return to work?" Cora asked with a smile.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Sybil continued to work, and it obviously made her happy and fulfilled, which Cora saw every day when Sybil retrieved Sybbie. Even Tom seemed content, as he and Mathew were becoming very close friends. It was wonderful to see.

Soon the Christmas season was upon them, and Cora ordered holly for the servants to decorate the house and a spruce tree to be brought into the Great Hall. She also chose presents for each of her family. Shopping for Mary and Edith was easy; she bought them nice new jewels in London with Rosamund's help. Cora also bought Rosamund a hat when her sister-in-law wasn't looking. For Robert, she finally decided on a new snuff box for his collection. They both also bought an adorable red Christmas dress for Sybbie.

But Sybil was more difficult. After all, her youngest daughter had told her the gift Cora had given to her last year wasn't the best, and Cora truly wanted to show she understood Sybil's life now. But in that case, what gift would be best? Certainly not jewelry or perfume, as Sybil and made it clear she didn't want those things anymore. And apparently not clothing, either, or at least not the kind Cora bought. Desperate for ideas, she finally decided to speak to Cousin Isabel.

"Sybil lives such a different life now," Cora said, sipping her tea, as she sat in their cousin's sitting room . She'd even missed a chance to see Sybbie this afternoon, she was so anxious to see Isabel.

Isabel nodded with a smile. "And she's doing a marvelous job with it," she said proudly.

Cora nodded. "Yes, she is," her own pride clearly in her voice. "But it's difficult for me to choose an appropriate Christmas present for her under these circumstances; I don't know what she wants anymore," she said with a sigh. "I thought perhaps…you'd know would have some ideas. Perhaps something she could use as a nurse. Her job is so important to her." She took another sip of tea.

Isabel nodded, her smile growing. "I would be happy do so." Her voice sounded even more superior, but Cora ignored it. "Every nurse could use bandages for her home, as we all nurse our families as much as patients." Cora nodded politely. "Or does Sybil have a biography of Florence Nightingale? She was one of the best British nurses there was, and we all admire her."

OOOOOOOOOO

In the end, Cora bought her youngest daughter the biography, hoping this gift would be more appreciated.

OOOOOOOOOO

Christmas was far more wonderful than they last year. Not only were she and Robert close again, but Sybil's voice could be heard when they sang Christmas carols. Most importantly, little Sybbie was there as well, dressed in her adorable red Christmas dress.

And the image of Robert cuddling their granddaughter in the dress was the most heartwarming view Cora had ever seen. And when Sybil said the new biography was a wonderful gift, Cora knew it was the best Christmas she'd ever experienced.

OOOOOOOOOO

But the holiday celebrations weren't done with Christmas. New Year's was just as wonderful, if not better. Robert, as usual organized the shoot on New Year's Day, and he, Mathew, Tom, and Dickie Grey all prepared their guns and aimed at the pheasants with the women watching.

Cora was pleased that Robert shot one of them, but nothing compared to her husband's reaction when he realized how well Tom performed. "Did you see that, Cora?" Robert said, his eyes lighting up as Tom hit another bird.

Cora smiled, her heart warming at Robert's reaction. "I did."

Robert stared at their son-in-law, as if he were suddenly fascinated by a man he'd tolerated for the past couple of months. Perhaps he would never be as close to Tom as he was to Mathew, but the expression on his face right now showed he was close. And Cora loved Robert all the more for it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

"Oh Constance," Sybil said with love as her baby wailed with the pain of her first tooth. She rubbed the little girl's back soothingly, her mind wandering along with her legs around their home. Things had improved considerably between Papa and Tom since New Year's, which was wonderful to see. Papa now smiled warmly when he saw her husband, and Tom even admitted to Sybil that Papa loved his family more than Tom had ever thought.

"It's a bit silly that the hunt could cause such a change between your Da and your Grandpa," Sybil said softly to Constance, "But men can be foolish, as I'm certain you will soon realize, as much as we love them."

Constance whimpered again, biting on Sybil's nightdress, and she patted the baby's head, which was now full of dark hair. "I know; it hurts."

Jiggling Constance a bit on her hip, Sybil walked down the stairs. Her new home was considerably smaller than her childhood home, but it still had three bedrooms upstairs as well as a nice kitchen and sitting room downstairs. And it was decorated even better than the flat in Dublin, complete with a table and highchair in the kitchen, rocking and arm chairs in the sitting room, and a lovely blue rug in the sitting room as well.

"Soon you'll have a cousin to play," Sybil said in her loving voice, rubbing her daughter's back again. Mary had recently revealed she was pregnant, and everyone in the family was overjoyed. Sybil knew her oldest sister was particularly relieved, as she was expected to produce an heir, thanks to that foolish concept that Papa's title could only be given to males. Still, it was also something Mary and Mathew truly wanted as a couple; Tom said Mathew couldn't stop beaming about his pending fatherhood, and Mary looked forward to motherhood more than Sybil would have ever thought.

But Sybil simply thought it would be wonderful for Constance to have a playmate. It was the sort of thing she'd looked forward to when she argued for Tom to stay in Yorkshire. Constance, however, obviously did not care about that now, as she wailed again, her tiny face scrunched in pain.

Sybil took her finger and rubbed the spot where the tooth was developing. "I'm sorry, my girl," she said, kissing the top of her dark fuzz and yawning a bit. Carrying for a baby and having a nursing job was tiring, and Sybil would still have to be awake by six tomorrow morning.

Sybil entered the living room and sat down in the wooden rocker, swaying with Constance in her arms. Across the room, she could see a small shelf with a few books on socialism, one of Irish folktales Tom looked forward to reading to their daughter, and the biography of Florence Nightingale Mama had given Sybil for Christmas. She smiled slowly, despite herself.

In spite of her poor baby's teething, things were going rather well for the Crawley's. Tom and Papa got on now. Mary and Mathew were expecting their own baby, and Sybil couldn't believe the change in Edith.

Ever since Edith had accepted the writing job in London, her sister had blossomed in a way Sybil had never expected. She was often in London when Sybil picked up Constance after tea, but when Sybil did see her sister, Edith carried herself with confidence and spoke with authority about her articles. Even when her sister had helped with the convalescent home, Edith had never been this assured.

For the first time in years, Sybil truly admired her older sister.

Eventually, Constance drifted off to sleep in Sybil's arms, sucking on a piece of her shirt. Sybil was almost afraid to stand up, lest her baby wake up again, but she was desperate to sleep a few hours herself. She was so tired.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Even when Constance wasn't cutting a tooth, Sybil was still tired. There was breakfast and dinner to cook, laundry and dishes to wash, and her baby to care for in the evenings. And even though she only worked at Downton Hospital part – time, it still consumed a lot of her energy.

Nevertheless, when Tom suggested they invite his brother, Kieran to their home for St. Patrick's Day, Sybil agreed. Her Tom had given up a chance to work with his brother for Sybil and Constance's sake and was truly trying to get on with Papa now. The least Sybil could do was allow Tom to celebrate an Irish holiday with his brother.

Besides, Kieran was also Constance's uncle and godfather.

OOOOOOOOOOO

So, on St. Patrick's Day, Sybil stopped at the market for corned beef and cabbage and petaled home to prepare what Tom said was Kieran's favorite dinner.

She'd just finished lighting the coal in the stove when Kieran and Tom opened the door. "… Well, Tommy, I know you did what you think…" Kieran was saying, and then fell silent as he stared at the cozy but homy sitting room.

"Hello, Kieran. Happy St. Patrick's Day," Sybil said cheerfully, coming to greet him.

Kieran stared at her without saying anything for several moments. "I'm sorry I don't look my best," Sybil said with a sigh, realizing her apron was covered with coal dust. Probably her face as well.

"No…it's fine," Kieran said with a nod, his voice cheerful, but his eyes still wide with surprise. "I just didn't expect…"

Tom shook his head. "You thought since I was the agent for Sybil's father, we'd live in a fancier house and have servants."

Kieran nodded. "I'm afraid so. I'm sorry Tommy but think how it looks. I offered you a job at the garage, and you said you'd rather stay here. It sounded like Sybil returned to her posh lifestyle, and you decided it was easier. I mean 'an estate agent'? Come on."

Sighing, Sybil returned to the kitchen to prepare the meal, wishing she wasn't so frustrated. Kieran was after all, the one who insisted on referring to her as "ma'am" for months in Ireland. Naturally, he assumed she'd returned to "Lady Sybil" again just because they were on her father's estate.

Still, she ripped into the meat especially harshly with the knife, the table almost shaking with her force.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Sybil ate her meat much less harshly, as Kieran was much more friendly at dinner, especially with Constance sitting in her highchair, spitting out half her dinner.

"Come on Constance," Kieran said with a chuckle. "You like your carrot mush, don't you?"

"She does," Sybil said, shaking her head as her baby spit out another mouthful of the carrots she'd carefully mashed for Constance. "She just thinks it's more fun to play with it."

Kieran grinned. "Well, there nothing wrong with playing; I did that as a lad, too."

Tom groaned. "Yes, and Mam still has the scars to prove it. I hope Constance doesn't 'play' as boisterously as you did."

Kieran shrugged. "Well, right now, I'm afraid you are the son she has the most trouble with, Tom. From her letters, she believes you've 'sold out to the other side.'"

Tom nodded. "Yes, she's implied as much to me, too, although I've tried to make it clear I still read books about socialism, intend to teach Constance Gaelic, and take my daughter and any other children we have to the Catholic Church." He sighed, a scowl appearing on his face. "But it's as if that doesn't matter to her."

A sharp pain shot through Sybil as she swallowed another mouthful of food, then settled in her heart. She'd thought her mother – in – law had finally accepted her when she'd become pregnant, and even more when they'd celebrated St. Patrick's Day in Ireland last year. * Now it seemed Tom's Mam had not only rejected her, but her son as well.

"I'm here for Constance and Sybil's sake," Tom's voice said louder, cutting through her thoughts. "Constance has a lot of family who loves her nearby, and it's very important to Sybil to be able to work at the hospital." Despite the pain in her heart, Sybil warmed and smiled at her husband, loving the way he defended their decision to stay in Yorkshire.

Kieran shrugged. "Well, you were always the son she thought could go places, Tommy. We all knew you were smart, but Mam thought you could move mountains with your brain. And becoming an estate agent was the exact opposite of her dreams for you. You know of the problems Grandad had with his estate agent, and I suspect Mam remembers that, too."

The kitchen was silent for a moment, except for the sound of chewing.

Then Constance babbled "gah" and everyone laughed. Sybil scooped up another mouthful of carrot mush and pushed into the baby's mouth.

OOOOOOOOOO

Kieran tossed Constance when he said goodbye the next morning, laughing that she'd become too big. Then he thanked Sybil for dinner and said he would be happy to visit again. He also promised Tom he would write to their Mam about how different Tom's home was than the family had thought.

But the next evening, Sybil sighed as Tom arrived home. "Why didn't you ever tell me about your mother's additude about us living here and your job as the agent?" She tossed the pieces of lamb into the pot for the stew, shaking her head.

She and Tom had always talked; way before they became a couple, they were confidants who'd listened to each other when no one else took their dreams seriously. And last year, it only became clearer how important it was to discuss problems with each other.

She sliced the potatoes with extra vigor.

"I didn't want to make an issue out of it when you have everything you've ever wanted here, Sybil" Tom's voice said finally. "We're married, you have a job you love, and your family has accepted our lifestyle and still loves you and Constance."

"I appreciate that, Tom," Sybil said, finally looking into the blue eyes she loved. "But - "

"And it's not as if I didn't try," Tom said, not as loud as he usually spoke when he was cross, but with a defensive scowl. "I asked you if you wanted to read Mam's letters, just like I read your family's letters when we were in Ireland. And I made it clear that they were upsetting me. But you always said you were too busy." He shook his head at the last statement.

Sighing, she realized he was correct. Mama had warned her about this problem, but at the time, Sybil had dismissed it. She still thought Mama's lifestyle was too frivolous, but Sybil was beginning to see that her mother was wiser than Sybil had ever understood. After all, Mama had helped Tom to accept the agent's job, showed Sybil how to cause Papa to understand about not wanting a maid, and informed Sybil about a problem with working and marriage.

"I'm sorry, Tom," Sybil said as she threw several pieces of potato into the pot of stew. "I should have never said or implied I was too busy for your problems." She crossed the kitchen and kissed him, hoping he would feel her love. "I'm certain your mam will change her mind after Kieran writes to her, though," Sybil said firmly when they withdrew.

"I hope so," Tom said with a sigh as Sybil dropped a small chunk of potato into another pot for Constance. "Sheena and Brigid are more understanding. They don't seem to think I've 'sold out' but they claim I've changed so much they don't know me anymore."

"And you've tried explaining that you still read books about socialism and attend the Catholic Church?" Sybil said, with a huff, her hands on her hips. She hated to see Tom's family dismiss him like this.

Tom nodded with a shrug. "I have, but they claim too many other things have changed."

"I'll write to Sheena myself," Sybil said firmly as she stirred their stew. "I should have written to her anyway, as she was the first friend I made in Ireland. My busy schedule has hurt both you and your sister, and I'm sorry."

Tom's eyes gleamed with hope that Sybil gazed into like a lifeline. "That sounds like a great idea," he said with a nod. But then he sighed and shook his head. "But even if my family accepts us, I'm afraid most of the people in Dublin will not. Sheena and Mam have made it quite clear that I've become "English" to everyone else. We won't be able to return to Ireland, even after the government changes."

Sybil's mouth dropped open in shock at that. It wasn't like him to be so defeated; what had happened to the Tom who would fight for what he believed? "Don't say that" she said firmly and her voice growing louder. "We knew it would be a struggle for them to accept me last year, and eventually they did. We could do it again."

Tom shrugged. "But then we were just trying to allow the Irish to accept you, Sybil. Now we'd have to force them to accept both of us, and it would be much harder. And even if I'd consider it for both of us, I cannot imagine what they might do or say to poor Constance, with an English grandfather, and English mother, and a father who has "turned English." He shuddered, as if the very idea was too much for him.

Sybil sighed, loving that he was so protective of their daughter, but hating that he was giving up on his dreams.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Then next evening, Sybil asked about Tom's dreams again as she filled a pot with water. "I just don't understand why you've abandoned your dreams for Ireland just because people disagree with you being an estate agent."

Tom sighed and removed his coat. "I haven't abandoned my dreams for Ireland, Sybil. I still hope the Irish Republic will be accepted very soon, because it's best for the people there and it's why Patrick Pearce , Jim Conolly, and all the others died." His voice sounded so firm that Sybil's heartbeat faster. Perhaps her Tom was returning already. With a smile, she dumped the pieces of beef into the bigger pot.

But then everything changed when he said, "I just cannot be a part of it myself anymore. Not when my own family won't accept me any longer, and not with the possibility of the Irish attacking Constance." Now he sounded almost tearful, and Sybil immediately wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm so sorry, Tom," she said into his neck as they shared love and pain. "When we became engaged, I was prepared for my own family to reject me, but it never occurred to me that yours might reject you someday because of our relationship. I still need to write that letter to Sheena," she said, pulling her head up to look into his eyes. "That should change things, as Kieran's letter to your Mam."

Tom kissed her softly. "I hope so, but that still won't change the rest of the population's opinion. You have to understand, Sybil, in Ireland, being an estate agent isn't just a job. It's a way of life for the protestants who have sided with the English, and that's the way it's been for two hundred years. In fact, many of the lords in Ireland don't live on their estates, so all the interaction between the tenants is with the estate agents, who tend to be exceptionally harsh."

Sybil slammed her knife into the carrots in response to that. "Why didn't you explain this to me back in August?" she said, still hurt that Tom's family was treating him this way but also cross that her husband didn't explain all the details before.

Tom sighed. "I tried but I was a little too focused on how the job would affect us to think of how it would look to the people I knew in Dublin. Besides, things are different in England. I can truly see how much Mathew's plans are helping the tenants, rather than just your family. And your father cares more about the tenants than I'd ever understood."

Sybil's heart warmed at how well Tom got on with Mathew and Papa now, despite the circumstances. And when her husband kissed Constance and put her in her highchair, full of fatherly love, nothing else seemed to matter.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Nevertheless, Tom's change in additude did matter to Sybil. She wrote to Sheena, apologizing for not writing sooner and explaining in detail the lifestyle she and Tom chose and why they had done so, at the same time passionately defending her husband.

Sybil also made a point to ask Tom about what was going on in his life and what he thought about things, no matter how tired she was. He responded with explaining Mathew's latest scheme for the estate and how it would improve both the tenant's lives and Sybil's family. In return, Tom asked her about the hospital, and she eagerly discussed her patients and the other nurses there.

But Tom did so without any of the fire in his eyes or the quick eagerness in his voice that he'd always had when he'd spoken of Irish independence, politics, and journalism. And they still shared kisses, but they lacked the intensity of their earlier embraces. It seemed that when he lost his involvement in Ireland, Tom had lost his passion for everything.

Sybil knew this shouldn't bother her. He'd given up Irish politics for their little girl and so Sybil could persue nursing again, and she loved him for that. But she'd fallen love with a passionate man who desperately wanted to make a difference in the world.

Where was that man now? Sybil was beginning to believe Sheena and Brigid were right; Tom had changed too much. Trying not to think of such horrid thoughts, Sybil threw herself into nursing and caring for Constance with extra force.

OOOOOOOOO

Constance was almost one now and had learned to say "Ma - ma", "Da – da", and "Nan" for her nanny. She had also learned to stand on her little legs if she held onto something. In fact, when Sybil arrived after tea that day, Constance stood up against the settee.

"Come see Ma – ma, Constance," Sybil said in the higher voice she always used when speaking to her daughter. She carefully sat on the other side of the settee. The little girl grinned at Sybil and slowly inched her way to her mother, still clutching the edge of the furniture.

Sybil immediately picked Constance up as soon as the baby reached her, kissing the little girl proudly.

Mama eagerly came behind Sybil and kissed Constance as well. "Good for you, Sybbie! You are becoming such a big girl!" Sybil sighed at the nickname but had decided that her parents would continue to use it no matter what she and Tom said. They appeared to believe it was their right as grandparents. At least it was done in love, which was proven by Constance's smiles.

Just then Papa and Tom's voices could be heard in the Great Hall, and Sybil smiled. She and Constance would be able to go home with Tom today, which was nice, especially considering all the things Sybil already planned to do there.

As their voices grew closer, Sybil paused. It sounded like an argument. And not just a little one, either.

Mama sighed and shook her head. "I thought they were getting on better."

"… But it would be easier to have the birthday party here," Papa's voice said, thundering as he entered the library. "Sybbie is used to the library and our servants can provide food and clean – up."

Sybil sighed, realizing what they were discussing. She and Tom had said something about Constance's first birthday last night, although Sybil struggled to remember what; she'd been so tired last night.

Tom entered the library directly behind Papa. "But as Constance is our daughter, it mine and Sybil's right to have the party at our house." His voice was just as loud as Papa's but his Irish brogue was thicker than normal. Sybil's heartbeat faster at that sound.

"Have you thought of how unfair that it to Sybil, to cook and clean for so many guests, even if your home can fit everyone?" Papa said, flinging his hand in the air in his anger.

Becoming cross herself, Sybil almost responded that she didn't need Papa to shelter her from hard work; she enjoyed it. But first Tom said, "Sybil is perfectly capable of taking care of everything; you underestimate her, Lord Grantham." His brogue was still thick, and his eyes flashed with passion and determination.

Sybil's heart soared. Staring at Papa, she said firmly, "Constance's birthday party will be at our home, and it should be large enough to fit everyone. I do hope you come, but that is final."

Papa shook his head. "Sybil, you need to think about this more," he said just as loudly as when he spoke to Tom.

"Robert," Mama said much softer. "Let it go."

"Are you ready to bring Constance home?" Sybil said, meeting Tom's eyes with a smile.

As soon as the three of them were safely inside the motor, Sybil attacked her husband with a passionate kiss. "I love you, Tom," she said, her heart full when they finally withdrew.

He grinned back at her. "Mo ghra," he said, breathing into her neck, making her tingle. Sybil felt her heart grow even more at the sound of the special Gaelic endearment he'd taught her back in Ireland.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

That night, after Constance was in bed, Sybil and Tom made time for passionate love, in which Tom called her "mo ghra" over and over again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Confident because of her love for Tom and Constance, Sybil prepared for the birthday party, cleaning her home, and baking a cake for the big day. Papa had been correct; it was more work than she was used to doing, but Sybil did it eagerly.

She and Tom were even happier to see all the guests in their home, although only Kieran appeared comfortable with the dwelling. Granny sat on the rocking chair with a disproving glare at her surroundings, Edith didn't say anything at all, and Mama clung to Papa for the entire visit. At least Sybil understood Mary's discomfort. At seven and a half months pregnant, there were truly no places for her oldest sister to feel comfortable, especially with Mathew's constant fussing.

Nevertheless, everyone ate a piece of cake and took turns holding Constance, much to the little girl's delight. Constance also enjoyed her new presents, some more than others. Mary and Mathew gave her a pair of sparkly shoes, Granny an ancient brooch, and Edith a book of nursery rhymes. Sybil appreciated Kieran's gift the most, as it was a cup made of a new material called "plastic" that was difficult to break so Constance could hold it herself.

Even Brigid, Sheena, and Mam sent gifts, which caused Sybil's heart to leap. Sheena's gift was a child's hat that would keep the sun out of Constance's eyes. Brigid's had made a winter hat, probably with her own lamb's wool. And Tom's mam sent a package of holy cards, much to Papa's grumbling.

But Constance's favorite gift was the large, fluffy teddy bear from Mama and Papa, which caused Papa to grin from ear to ear.

Her Tom had changed, Sybil realized as he spoke quietly to Mathew while Constance hugged her new bear. Parenthood had transformed both of them; their relationship lacked the adventurous feel and intensity of new, passionate love and grown into something more solid and real. Furthermore, working with Mathew and Papa had altered Tom's perspective as well. But perhaps everyone had changed. Mary and Mathew were about to embark on parenthood themselves, Edith had become more confident, and Mama might not even be as weak as Sybil had thought.

But underneath it all, Tom was still the man she'd fallen in love. He still wished to make a difference in the world and insisted that Mathew's plans were doing just that for the tenants. And the passionate man buried inside burst through occasionally, ready to defend someone or something important to him.

*See "A Home for Saint Patrick."

Sorry this chapter was so long; I thought about splitting it up, but I decided it doesn't work for the structure of the overall story.

I still plan on writing a chapter on what would happen if they spent this year in Liverpool instead, but it might be a while before I post. I promised my "Consequences and Control" readers I would give them another chapter in May, and I intend to deliver on that.