September 1st, 1939
Sybil sighed as she pressed her forehead against the window of the train compartment. She and her father had been traveling for almost two weeks, but now they were finally in England and on a train to Downton from Nottingham. It had been an easy sail across the ocean but a very tiring one at that. She was happy to see land and green again, as opposed to being surrounded by nothing but dark water.
Sybil glanced down at the newspaper in her hand, which had become the source of a new anxiety throughout their travels. The bold letters did not just tell her that the Nazis had invaded Poland, but that they were not hesitant to do the same in England. She glanced at her father and then out the window; she knew he had already read today's news but he had remained silent about it, probably so it wouldn't worry her.
Across from Sybil, her father was reading a book, but he would continuously look up from his book and to his daughter to see if she was still buried in the newspaper. He now noticed a look of confusion on Sybil's face. She was staring out the window with furrowed eyebrows and her mouth was in a slight frown. He didn't want to bother her but he couldn't help but be curious as to why his daughter was upset, and of course, something was obviously bothering her. "What's on your mind, Sybbie?" He asked, closing his book and placing it on the seat next to him. Sybil lifted her head from the window and looked down at the newspaper. She held out the newspaper, front page facing him.
"I'm sure that you have already read this paper, yes?" She asked.
Her father nodded. "Yes," he began, "I read it at the train station. I do not want you to worry, Sybil. We are far from where they are."
"But Poland and Britain have a treaty with one another. Civilians have been evacuated from London, Papa. That was in the newspaper yesterday!"
Her father leaned forward in his seat, took the newspaper from Sybil's hands, and took her hands in his own. "Sybbie, you have nothing to fear. We are going to Downton Abbey and you are going to have a wonderful time with our family."
Sybil nodded. "I just don't like the uncertainty of the future. At first, I didn't mind it because it seemed so far away from Massachusetts, but now it seems all too real and much too close. Every day, things seem to be getting worse and worse and all these people are-" "Sybil," her father interrupted.
She sighed. "I just want it to stop, Papa. I wish I could help all these people and I want it to stop before worse things happen."
Her father smiled sadly and lightly squeezed Sybil's hand. "I know, darling," he kissed her head. "But just don't read about it anymore. No more newspapers, alright?. We're almost to Downton."
Sybil relaxed in her seat and looked out the window again. She tried to focus on something other than what she read in the newspaper, but couldn't. She did, however, have a memory that was brought on by the nostalgia of being on a train. She smiled and looked at her father. "Papa, remember our train rides to Downton when I was a little girl?"
Her father chuckled at the memory. "Of course. You were so restless I had to keep telling you there were fairies outside the window so that you could focus on something for a minute."
"Yes!" Sybil laughed. "That was quite good. I believed every word you said about those fairies. I could have sworn that I actually saw them too."
The two laughed and Sybil was finally distracted by a new conversation about their past train rides and travels together. She and her father continued their conversation until the train came to a complete stop at the Downton train station.
Sybil eagerly emerged from the train holding her luggage to herself, followed by her father, who held the heavier pieces of luggage.
"I don't see anyone I'm familiar with, Papa," Sybil said, looking left and right on the train platform.
"Just keep walking and we'll find someone. I telephoned when we were at the station in Nottingham, so if they did their calculations correctly, they would have known we were arriving at this time."
The two continued to walk down the platform until they recognized the chauffeur that drove them to Downton Abbey three years ago when they were last there. He was very tall, as well as very slim. He was an older man, in his fifties, like Sybil's father, and the two had gotten along quite well.
"Ah, it's Mr. Crewe!" Sybil said walking with her father. Mr. Crewe saw them from afar and waved.
"It's good to see you, Crewe!" Her father said when they approached, giving the man a firm handshake.
"And it is very good to see the both of you, Mr. Branson!" Mr. Crewe smiled. "Miss Sybil, how you have grown! I haven't seen you in three years!"
"I did miss you, Mr. Crewe. I am so excited to return to Downton Abbey!" Sybil was now full of excitement. She felt like a little girl again, and all felt familiar and right.
"Well, then, Miss Sybil, we mustn't delay! Everyone is waiting! Come to the car." Mr. Crewe led them out of the train station and to the front, where the car was parked. Mr. Crewe placed their luggage in the car and Sybil's father joined him in the front while Sybil sat in the back.
As the car bumped along, Sybil watched all the familiar passing sights of Downton. She loved how green everything was. The countryside, where she lived, was also very green but it felt different there. Both were very beautiful but different. After a short drive, the car passed through familiar gates and Downton Abbey came into view.
Mr. Crewe parked in front of Downton Abbey where everyone was outside waiting to greet Sybil and her father. Mr. Crewe, sensing Sybil's eagerness, quickly got out of the car and opened her door. Sybil almost ran out of the car but stopped herself so she would not embarrass herself. However, someone did, in fact, run up to her. Sybil's air was suddenly constricted by a tight embrace from a slightly shorter figure with light brown curls.
"Sybbie!"
"Marigold!" Sybil gasped and hugged her cousin. "I can't breathe!"
Marigold pulled away and laughed. "Sorry!"
"Goodness, Marigold, we wouldn't want our cousin dead on arrival," said a tall blond-haired young man who appeared behind her.
"It's good to see you too, George," Sybil smirked. The cousins hugged one another and Marigold quickly backed away so that the others could greet her. A genuine smile remained on Sybil's face as she greeted the rest of her family. She was soon met by her grandparents, the Earl, and Countess of Grantham, Robert, and Cora.
"Hello, Sybbie, darling," her grandmother smiled, hugging her granddaughter.
"Hello! I am so happy to see you," Sybil said.
"And happy to see me, as well, I hope?"
Sybil grinned at her grandfather and hugged him. "Yes, Donk! Always."
"I look forward to hearing you call me that again. However, it is quite insulting," Robert smiled. Sybil then was met by Aunt Edith and Aunt Mary.
"Sybbie, you look so beautiful," Edith began. "I am so happy that you are here. Marigold has been looking forward to it all month."
"Thank you, Aunt Edith," Sybil smiled. "As have I."
"Well, I hope you don't get too bored here," Aunt Mary smirked. "How are you, darling?"
"I'm very well, thank you, Aunt Mary. And I wouldn't worry about the boredom. I've missed this place so much."
Out of the corner of her eye, Sybil saw another familiar face that she had been missing quite a lot. "Mr. Barrow!" Sybil chimed. She ran over to the butler and hugged him. She had always liked and appreciated Mr. Barrow. If she were upset during one of her visits to Downton, he would always go out of his way to make her feel better. She loved when he told her stories about her mother.
"Miss Sybil, we have missed you."
Sybil made her rounds and greeted everyone else, while her father followed and was met by everyone. Soon, after everyone was acquainted again, Cora announced that Sybil and her father's things were to be taken to their rooms and that everyone would come inside. Sybil walked through the door and all the memories came back to her. She suddenly saw a younger version of herself, being carried around, playing, chasing her cousins, and being free in the innocence of childhood. It had only been a few moments at Downton and her heart was already full.
Sybil was lead upstairs and to her room, which was very ornate and elegant. Her bags were set down next to her bed, which she promptly lay on, yearning for its softness and comfort. She sighed from content and closed her eyes. A knock on the door startled her, however, and as she sat up her Aunt Mary entered the room. "Is the room to your liking?"
"Oh, yes, thank you" Sybil smiled. "I shall be sleeping very well in here."
"I'm sure you will," her aunt said. "So, you are finished with your schooling, I heard. What will you do now?"
"I'm not quite certain yet," Sybil began. "I did volunteer at a hospital with my friend for a few years. We did small tasks and filed papers. I enjoyed it, though. Perhaps I'll do that. Really, I just want to do something that will help others."
"How saintly you are," Aunt Mary said rolling her eyes. "But there is nothing wrong with that. I'm sure you would do well with it," she smiled.
"Your support is always appreciated." Sybil knew her Aunt Mary could be cold and sarcastic at times, but she was also one of her biggest supporters and the two always had wonderful talks and outings together.
"I know," her aunt said and took a look around the room. "Well, you have a few hours to rest and get settled in before dinner, unless Marigold decides to pay you a visit, then you'll never get anything done. I'll see you at dinner. Oh, and happy belated birthday."
"Thank you, Aunt Mary." Sybil watched her aunt leave and once the door was closed, she lay back down on the soft bed and closed her eyes for a short rest.
Not five minutes later, just as Aunt Mary predicted, the door flew open and Marigold came running in.
"Sybbie! My room is down the hall! We're neighbors! Oh, I'm sorry, are you asleep?"
Sybil opened her eyes and sat up, amused at her cousin. "That's fantastic, Marigold, and, no, I wasn't. Close the door. Let's talk."
Marigold nodded and quickly closed the door. She joined her cousin and sat on the bed, glancing at her suitcases. Sybil rested her back against the headboard. "So, Marigold, how are you and how are things at Downton?"
"I'm well! I've been writing and spending time with Mother. Oh! And we've all been busy planning a surprise for you!"
Sybil raised an eyebrow. "Surprise? What sort of surprise?"
"I'm not allowed to tell," Marigold sang. "You'll find out later during dinner, I think."
"Hmm, that's hardly fair. Now you have me curious! Why did you even have to mention it?"
"Just be patient and wait and see," Marigold laughed. "I've missed you, Sybil."
"I've missed you too, Marigold," Sybil said as she put her arm around her cousin's shoulder. "I'm glad you're staying here at Downton too. Do you prefer it here or in Northumberland?"
"Here," Marigold answered. "Everyone is here. Mother and I are staying while you and Uncle Tom visit. Father is supposed to join us eventually."
"Oh, how nice. I haven't seen Uncle Bertie in quite some time either." Sybil sighed and then turned to her cousin. You have no idea how happy I am to be here to see you all again. I wish I had more family in America. You all should come to visit us sometime!"
"Oh, I would love that!" Marigold smiled at the thought of America. She had heard about great cities, such as New York City and Hollywood. She would love to visit them someday and write about her experiences. "Yes, someday I shall travel," she said. "Speaking of travel, how was the trip here?"
"It was nice. It took quite some time, but it was nice. We had no trouble. My favorite part was the train ride here from Nottingham. Papa and I talked a lot."
"How lovely," Marigold said. "We were worried about your travel, as I expressed in my letter. We weren't sure if you were taking a train from London! They have begun to evacuate civilians there and we were worried you were caught up in all of that."
"Oh, no, we avoided London for the train," Sybil said, followed by a silence. She did not want to continue talking about the evacuations and what she had read in the newspaper, so she silently prayed that her cousin would find something else to talk about.
"Sybbie, would you like to see my new typewriter?"
Sybil silently rejoiced. "Yes, I'd love to!" The two cousins left the bed and exited Sybil's room. As they walked by the railing, Sybil heard two deep masculine voices from downstairs. One she recognized as George, but the other, she hadn't the slightest idea as to whom the voice could belong to. "Marigold?" Sybil whispered. "Who's below us downstairs? Listen."
Marigold leaned slightly over the railing and listened. "Oh!" She nodded and then pulled back. "Well, one of the voices belongs to George," she said quietly. "The other belongs to his friend, I think."
"Friend?" Sybil asked. "Which friend?"
"Ah, some friend from school. He's a bit older than us, but he and George got along quite well. You've met him before, I believe. I can't remember his name. You'll see him at dinner." Sybil tried to think of which friend it could be for she hadn't met many friends of George, but she knew that if she were to see this young man, she would probably remember him. Sybil shrugged then followed Marigold to her room and was introduced to her typewriter.
Marigold's room was filled with journals, books, and papers. It was truly a writer's room. After being shown the typewriter, the two sat near Marigold's bookshelves and discussed books that had read and what they had been doing since they last saw one another. The hours went by quickly while the two girls were together, and soon it was time to get ready for dinner.
"Oh, dear, it seems as though we over talked," Sybil laughed.
Marigold nodded in agreement. "Yes, you best get ready for cocktail hour."
"I will. I shall see you downstairs then." Sybil left Marigold's room and quickly began walking back to her room unaware of the person who had just turned from another hallway. The two lightly bumped into one another and Sybil was taken aback.
"Forgive me! I'm so sorry," said a man that was lightly holding her by the arm while she caught her balance.
"Oh, no, no, it's perfectly fine," Sybil said and looked up at the person. Before her stood quite a tall and handsome young man, whom she felt as though she had seen before. She blinked and tilted her head. Where had she seen him before? She stared into his hazel eyes. The young man stared back at her with a familiar look in his eye.
"Sybil Branson?" He asked. His deep voice striking her memory of the voice she had heard speaking with George below her some time ago.
Sybil nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry, I don't believe I know you."
"Oh, I'm Edward Trent! Do you remember me? I'm a friend of your cousin, George," he said, smoothing out his dark hair with his hand.
Ah! She knew the name. Now she remembered who this Edward Trent was. She remembered being at Downton when she was younger and playing hide-and-seek with him and George. Sybil recalled a visit where she sneakily followed Edward around, and her Aunt Mary accused her of having a crush, to which Sybil greatly protested.
"I do remember you," she said, blushing faintly. "How are you?"
"I'm very well. How are you? Welcome back to Downton!" Edward smiled. He was always so charming.
"I'm well, as well! And thank you," Sybil smiled. The two stared at one another, memories both returning to them as they watched one another. Sybil then heard the clock chime from downstairs, which made her all the more aware that she needed to get ready for cocktail hour. "I should get ready. It was nice seeing you!" Sybil said and hastily walked back to her room. She heard no response from Edward Trent as she left and she didn't turn back to see if he was still there or not.
When choosing what to wear to the cocktail hour and dinner, Sybil decided that she would wear a simple yet elegant deep red gown. She wanted to save the blue gown, that her father bought for her, for another night. She put on her pearl earrings and did her own hair, as she was accustomed to since she had grown up without maids or help in her father's home. She placed a pin on the side of her head and let her dark wavy hair fall below her shoulders. Satisfied with her presentation, she left her room and went downstairs to join her family.
"Hm, what a pretty color. Are you trying to seduce someone?" A voice said before Sybil could enter the room for cocktail hour. She turned to see her aunt, Mary, of course, dressed in a midnight blue gown and looking as beautiful and mysterious as ever.
"I am not trying to seduce anyone, Aunt," Sybil smiled.
"I see. You do look beautiful in that color," Mary began, "And did you see the friend of George that is here? It's Edward Trent. Do you remember him? The one you had a crush on?" She teased.
"That was a long time ago, Aunt Mary. But, yes, I do remember him. We ran into each other earlier." Sybil entered the room with her and saw her family socializing with one another.
"He's over there by the fireplace if you're interested," her aunt whispered to her and then left her side to join the conversation between her husband, Henry Talbot, and her mother. Sybil sighed and walked over to her father, who was talking to her grandfather.
"Hello, Papa. Hello, Donk," Sybil greeted.
"Hello, Sybbie," her father said. "You look so beautiful, my darling."
"She does," her grandfather said with a nod. "You look so much like your mother."
"Thank you, Donk," Sybil smiled.
"Well don't just stand around here with us old gentlemen. Go socialize with your young cousins," her grandfather said.
"I'm not an old gentleman," Sybil's father said.
"Oh, yes, you are, Tom," her grandmother scoffed. "Let's see, you must be fifty-" "Alright, alright," Sybil's father sighed. Sybil laughed and patted her father's arm.
"You don't look a day over forty, Papa."
Her father and grandfather both laughed out loud at her and told her to run along and join her cousins.
Sybil made her way around the room and saw that Marigold was in deep conversation with her grandmother, Cora. Choosing not to interrupt, Sybil decided to join George by the fireplace, it was too late to turn back, though, when she realized that he was standing next to Edward Trent.
"Ah, there's my cousin!" George waved. "Sybil, I want you to see someone." He gently took her arm and pulled her to his side. "I'm sure you remember my friend, Edward Trent. Edward, this is my cousin, Sybil Branson."
"I remember Edward Trent," Sybil said with a polite smile.
"And I remember Sybil Branson," Edward said, politely smiling back. "And we have already seen one another today. We accidentally ran into one another upstairs."
"Oh, did you?" George laughed. "You didn't say."
"I didn't see the need to," Edward said. "Would you care for a drink, Miss Sybil?"
"I'll get us some drinks," George offered and left the two alone by the fireplace.
"Oh!" Sybil watched her cousin leave and then looked back at Edward.
"You look very nice, Miss Sybil," Edward said.
"Thank you. I'm curious as to what brings you to Downton. Did George invite you?" Sybil asked with genuine interest.
"Yes, George invited me. I also am on a stop from visiting family."
"I see," Sybil said. "Well, welcome back."
Edward nodded in thanks. An awkward silence began to grow between them so Sybil looked around the room to find a topic of conversation. Suddenly, she eyed something that would be familiar to him. "Remember hiding under that table in here? George spent half an hour looking for us."
Edward looked at the table in question. "I was thinking of the same thing when I entered the room earlier," Edward chuckled. "We can never bring it up to George, though. He thinks he was a master finder. He'll deny it."
"Deny what?" George asked, returning with the drinks. He gave a glass to his cousin and then to his friend. "Deny what, Ed?"
"Nothing," Edward smiled. He held his glass out to Sybil and George. The three gently clinked their glasses together and took a sip.
"You've grown taller, George," Sybil said as she noticed she had to tilt her head up more to see his face.
"Have I? Thank you." George bowed. "Remember when you were taller than me? That was short-lived, wasn't it?" Sybil rolled her eyes and laughed as she nudged her cousin to be quiet. George was an exceptionally handsome young man. Sybil knew he looked so much like his father, Matthew, from what she had seen in photographs. She was told that his father was a very kind and caring man, as well, and George had certainly inherited that from him. The sarcasm and wit, of course, seemed to have been inherited from his mother.
As the cocktail hour went on, Sybil, George, and Edward found themselves conversing about what Sybil's life was like in America. Every now and again, Sybil and Edward would exchange glances at one another, while George, who was certainly not oblivious to this, continued to speak about what he thought life in America was like. When it was time for dinner, George escorted his cousin into the dining room. Sybil took her seat between her grandfather and Marigold. The food and drink began to be brought in and served; it was more food than Sybil was used to eating with her father. Sybil was always surprised at the amount of food brought out during Downton dinners. She and her father were used to simple meals of soup and bread or meat, but at Downton Abbey, the courses never seemed to end.
"What are your thoughts on the news, Tom?" Sybil's grandfather asked. Sybil glanced down at her plate and Cora noted that the subject was not one that was invited or pleasant.
"Now, Robert, must we speak about that during dinner? You may discuss it afterward."
"Oh, fine."
"Are you excited about tomorrow, Sybbie?" George asked from across the table. Mary shot him a glance. "My darling, was that not supposed to be a surprise?"
Sybil's uncle, Henry, shook his head in amusement as he ate. "I knew that was bound to happen."
"Oh, thank heaven! For the first time, I am not the one to spoil the surprise!" Marigold laughed.
Sybil glanced around at her family in confusion. "This is the second time today I've heard about a surprise. What are you all keeping from me? Tell me now," she playfully demanded.
"Well, it's no use not telling her," her grandmother said.
"Right," Sybil's grandfather nodded. "Sybil, we are having a grand birthday celebration for you tomorrow here at Downton."
Sybil looked at her grandfather. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
"It's going to be so much fun!" Marigold said excitedly. "Music, dancing, food, and wonderful company!"
Sybil hadn't attended a celebration at Downton for so long, and even when there was one, she was too young and could not attend most of the festivities or even stay awake for it all. Now, she was attending a party just for her. "That sounds so exciting! Thank you, everyone!"
"That dress I bought for you was for the occasion," her father said with a wink.
"Really, Papa? Oh, I should have known," Sybil laughed and turned toward the end of the table, making eye contact with Edward Trent. He smiled and nodded at her. She smiled back and looked away, catching Aunt Mary smirking at her.
"We should make a toast to my wonderful cousin!" George announced, raising his glass.
"Oh, yes," Aunt Edith said in agreement and raised her glass along with the entire family.
"To our darling Sybbie," her father began, "that this year is a wonderful one for her."
"And that her party goes absolutely perfect!" Marigold added.
"Dear, yes, let's hope nothing goes wrong," Aunt Mary said.
"To Sybbie," her grandfather said. Glasses lightly clinked and the contents of the glasses were drunk quickly by the men and sipped by the women. Dinner was soon being consumed and conversations from every side of the table were being held. Sybil smiled as she enjoyed her dinner and watched her family. Everyone was eager to have Sybil and her father back at Downton Abbey and they all were eager to celebrate Sybil's birthday the next day.
