The next morning, Sybil awoke to the sound of footsteps hurrying down the hall. Curious as to what was happening outside her door, she left her bed, put on her dressing robe, and opened her door. Maids ran back and forth with ribbons, flowers, and more elegant pieces for decoration. "Excuse me?" Sybil asked a maid, who was walking past her with a tray of small unlit candles. "What are all these decorations for?"

"Oh, they're for your party, Miss Sybil!" The maid smiled and hurried downstairs.

For my party? Sybil thought. But these decorations are only worthy of a princess! However, it was her birthday celebration, and Sybil decided that today was her day and that she was worthy of these decorations fit for a princess because she was one for the day. She smiled, closed the door to her room and got herself ready. When Sybil went downstairs, she was met, once again, with the hustle and bustle of maids running back and forth cleaning and decorating. A new rug was being laid out, chandelier crystals were being gingerly cleaned, garlands of flowers, as well as beautiful lavender drapery, were being hung all just for her celebration. She gazed at the decorations in wonder. She had never seen such enchanting decorations and they weren't even all put in place yet. She smiled at those who passed by her with hurried greetings.

After she managed to get through the maze of people, she joined her family for breakfast.

As she entered the dining room, she saw her grandfather, father, Uncle Henry, Marigold, and George seated at the table. The men stood when she walked over to them.

"Good morning, everyone," Sybil smiled and went to her father, who kissed her on the cheek.

"Good morning, darling," her father said.

"Good morning, Sybbie," her grandfather said as he sat back down, burying himself in a newspaper. Sybil took her seat next to her father, across from Marigold and George.

"Did you sleep well, Sybbie?" Marigold asked as she was serving herself food.

"Very well, thank you, Marigold," Sybil smiled as she put sugar in her tea.

"Damn, everything's a mess," her grandfather said setting the newspaper down with a sigh. Everyone turned to him, curious as to what he thought was a mess.

"Donk?" Marigold asked.

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, it's just the news is very upsetting."

"What's happened now?" George asked, taking a bite of toast.

"They've evacuated more civilians from London. This isn't going to go well, I think."

"Do you think we'll suffer another war?" Sybil's father asked. Sybil frowned and ate silently while she listened.

"I don't know, Tom."

"Well, then, we must be ready!" George eagerly said.

"They already are ready, George, don't get too excited," his step-father sighed.

"War is an ugly thing," Donk added. "We do not want it to happen again. We lost so many during the Great War. We cannot suffer another blow like that."

The table grew quiet. Sybil's father looked at his daughter, niece, and nephew one by one. Sybil was eating while staring at her plate, his niece was gingerly sipping too much tea, clearly distracted by thought, and George was staring off elsewhere, also in deep thought. "I see everyone is at work decorating for tonight," Tom began, hoping that a topic about the party would lighten the mood. Sybil looked up from her plate and nodded.

"It all looks so beautiful, Papa. I'm so excited to see the results of it all."

"Me too," Marigold said as she set her teacup down.

"The flowers look absolutely breathtaking," Sybil said looking up at her cousins, who were now distracted by whatever was happening in the doorway behind Sybil. Sybil slowly turned in her seat and saw Edward Trent in the doorway, breathing a sigh of relief. Sybil quickly turned back and continued to eat her food.

"I'm so sorry," Edward breathed and laughed nervously. "I became very lost as I left my room. I turned through the wrong hallway and ended up downstairs but in the servant's quarters. I didn't know where you all were!"

"Really, Ed? And you've been here how many times?" George teased.

"Nevermind, George. That's fine, Trent. We thought you were expecting breakfast in bed like the rest of the family," Robert said. Edward was shamefaced and looked around for a place to sit. He decided to take the empty seat next to Sybil. When Sybil heard the chair next to her being pulled out, she stopped eating.

"Good morning," Edward said quietly to her. Sybil bowed her head slightly in response since her mouth was full of toast. She looked away embarrassed and pretended to be distracted by a painting on the wall.

"I'm disappointed in you, Ed," George scoffed. "What did the downstairs think when they saw you?"

"They were more understanding than you, Crawley. It's a large house and it's easy to get lost in," Edward said as a plate of food was served to him. "Does anyone have the jam?"

"I have it," Sybil's father said and passed the dish to Sybil, who took the dish from him. She held it to Edward, who smiled at her as he took it.

"Thank you," he said.

Sybil nodded. "You're welcome."

"What shall we do after this?" Marigold asked, clapping her hands together in glee.

"We should go outside. The weather is very nice today. Shall we ride our bicycles?" George asked. "You remember the bicycle races we used to have, right, Sybbie?"

Sybil did remember, indeed. "Oh, yes. You always cheated. You persuaded Marigold to throw giant rocks onto the paths to slow me down." Sybil laughed and drank her tea.

"I did that?" Marigold asked with a quizzical look.

"You were too young to understand," George smirked. "You thought you were helping build a fort to prevent trolls from getting to Downton."

Marigold rolled her eyes. "How rude!"

"You all can go outside," their grandfather began, "no bicycle riding, though. Knowing you three, someone will end up getting hurt. I trust, since you are no longer children, that you don't do anything idiotic. Also be sure to come back early enough to get ready for tonight."

"Yes, Donk!" Sybil and Marigold said in unison. They, along with Edward and George, finished their breakfast and went outside to enjoy the fresh air. Marigold brought a journal along with her and kept it safely tucked under her arm. George followed quickly behind, pestering her as to what she filled that journal up with. "Ways to get rid of you!" Marigold teased. Sybil and Edward followed them, laughing at the bantering happening between the two.

"Downton is so grand. I'm always in awe when I visit. It seems to get even more beautiful with each visit." Edward said as he and Sybil walked together. Sybil had been wanting to make conversation with him but she couldn't think of anything to say that would have caught his attention.

"I feel the same," she agreed.

"How long are you staying here?"

"Oh, two months," Sybil said. "And how long are you staying here?"

"Two weeks, I think," Edward smiled. "I'm happy that I am here for your birthday celebration. I didn't even know that that was happening til George told me yesterday."

"Well, I am happy you are here, as well. It is nice to see you again, really. Forgive me for being so quiet."

"Do not worry, Miss Syble. I am just relieved that you remember me."

Sybil looked up at him. "How could I forget? Well, I did forget momentary upon seeing you cause I don't think you were quite as tall the last time. We have quite a few memories here at Downton together."

"Such as when we sneaked into the kitchen to steal some little cakes!"

"Oh, goodness! Mrs. Patmore was so upset! I think that was the most dangerous thing I have ever done!" Sybil recalled her younger self and Edward sneaking into the servant's quarters after dinner. The two, giggling much too loudly, had run by Mr. Barrow's office. Mr. Barrow, having heard them, opened his door and followed them. He witness their cake robbery and promised that he wouldn't tell, they just had to swear they would never do it again. The two children were grateful and left with their cakes. When Mrs. Patmore returned to the kitchen and found two cakes were missing, she thought she had gone mad. Barrow said it must have been two young mice that stole the cakes.

"Ah, but it was quite funny," Edward grinned.

"Yes," Sybil blushed and continued to walk with him. After a few moments of silence, Edward stopped walking. "Do you enjoy dancing?" He asked.

Sybil stopped walking as well and turned to him. "Do I enjoy dancing? Well, yes. I don't do much of it. I've only danced at a few school dances."

"Will you dance tonight?"

"If someone asks me, yes." Sybil tilted her head.

"Oh," Edward said with a boyish grin that she remembered from years ago. "If I were to ask you to dance tonight, would you-" "I would say yes."

Edward's cheeks turned a light shade of red. "Yes? Wonderful!"

"What on earth are you two talking about?" George asked, walking backward to join them. "Marigold has already seated herself under a tree and is writing about some sort of girl getting lost in a forest."

"Ah, how whimsical," Edward began. "Your cousin and I were just talking about the party tonight."

"Oh! Come and join Marigold and me under the tree." George walked back to the tree, with Sybil and Edward following. The four of them sat under the tree and listened to what Marigold had written so far for her story. Afterward, the four talked and George found a small bug, which he picked up and chased Marigold around with. Sybil laughed the afternoon away and she felt like a child again. Her age did not mean she could not have fun with her cousins anymore. She wished every day could be like this and that the trials of adulthood would not come to claim her.

In the early evening, Sybil began to get ready for her birthday celebration. From her bedroom window, she saw cars driving up and guests arriving. She was not sure who would be in attendance and the thought of being in a room full of strangers made her uneasy. Once she was finished getting ready, she stood in front of her full-length mirror and looked at herself. She was wearing the admiral blue gown her father had bought for her, and she felt so regal in it. She wore her pearl earrings and her hair was up in a beautiful updo, which she proudly learned how to do herself. She slipped on her black t-strap heels and took one last look at herself in the mirror. She saw her mother in herself but also some of her father too. She smiled at her reflection. "I wish you were here, Momma."

She heard a knock on her door and quickly opened it. "Papa!" She cried as she hugged him. Her father was to walk her downstairs and announce her to their guests. He was dressed in a very fine suit, looking as handsome as ever.

"Are you ready, Sybbie?" He smiled, taking a step into her room.

"I think so. Are there a lot of people downstairs?"

"There are quite a few," her father smiled. "But no need to fear. They are all here to celebrate you." He stared at the young woman who stood before him. It seemed as if it were only yesterday he was holding her in his arms for the first time. His little girl, who was always so curious about everything and caring towards everyone, had grown up right before his eyes. He tearfully smiled. "You look like a princess, Sybbie."

"I'm your princess, Papa," she smiled and hugged him again.

"That you are. I have one more gift for you," he smiled and invited her to sit on her bed. Sybil sat next to him and watched him take a flat box from his coat pocket. He opened it and delicately lifted a gorgeous diamond bracelet. It glimmered as he held it out to her. Sybil stared in wonder. "Papa, it's beautiful!"

"It belonged to your mother."

Sybil smiled and sighed softly. "Now it's even more beautiful to me. Where was it? Why haven't I ever seen it before?"

"Your Aunt Mary had it," her father began to explain as he placed the bracelet on Sybil's wrist. "Your mother gave it to her before she and I left for Dublin when we were married. She told Mary that she had no use for it and to keep it. Your Aunt Mary had a similar bracelet so she kept your mother's put away for the possibility of her wanting it back. I think she would have liked to see you wear it for the occasion."

"Oh, Papa, you're going to make me cry," Sybil tearfully giggled and looked down at the bracelet on her wrist. "Thank you."

Her father smiled and kissed her head. "Don't cry now, you're about to be introduced to your guests."

Sybil nodded and stood. "I'm a bit nervous… But excited, as well. Let's go."

Her father opened her bedroom door for her, and she followed him out. Mr. Barrow was waiting for them toward the banister. "Is Miss Sybil ready?" He asked.

"She is," her father answered and held out his arm to her. Sybil held onto his arm as she watched Mr. Barrow go downstairs.

"Presenting Miss Sybil Branson and her father, Mr. Tom Branson." Sybil heard Mr. Barrow's voice from downstairs, followed by hushed whispers from the guests. Together, Sybil and her father descended the stairs. Her heart pounded, but she felt safe with her father by her side. She didn't understand why she felt so nervous. She felt as though she were being walked down the aisle and that she would be given to her husband in front of an entire congregation. As the guests came into view, she saw her family and a few unfamiliar faces staring up at her.

"Good evening," her father said as they descended to the third to the last stair. "Before we begin the celebration, I would like to give a toast in honor of my daughter. Before that, however, Sybil, would you like to say something to your guests?"

Sybil's mind went blank. She had forgotten to think of what she was going to say to her guests. It could not be that difficult to think of what to say for a birthday celebration. She thought for a few moments and began to speak. "Hello, everyone. I am so grateful and happy that you all could be here at Downton Abbey to celebrate my nineteenth birthday with me. I truly am thankful for my family and for all their love. Thank you so much for having this celebration for me. I'm sure it will be a night to remember and I hope you all enjoy yourselves as much as I will." She smiled politely and made a slight curtsy. "Thank you."

The guests clapped and cheered for her. Drinks began to be passed around by servers, who carried silver trays of champagne. A glass was given to Sybil and her father, who raised his glass. "Let us all raise our glasses and make a toast to the beautiful Sybil Branson!" The guests raised their glasses, and Sybil blushed from the attention.

"Happy birthday, my darling daughter. You are going to do wonderful things in your life, I just know it. To Sybil!"

"To Sybil!" The crowd cheered and the festivities began. A live jazz band began to play Sybil's favorite type of music: swing. The atmosphere of the entire house became jovial within minutes. Above her, lavender drapes hung across the ceilings, through the chandeliers, and flower garlands were hung everywhere. Sybil stared at the ornate decorations in amazement. Now, she was truly a princess. Her grandmother, Cora, saw her staring at the decorations and joined her side.

"Happy birthday, my darling," she smiled. "Isn't this beautiful?"

"It is!" Sybil cried. "I feel as though I'm in a fairy tale. And, I'm curious, how does Donk feel about the jazz band?"

Her grandmother laughed. "Oh, he promised he would tolerate it. He wants to stay as far away from it as possible, I'm afraid!"

Sybil giggled and her grandmother left to find her grandfather. Sybil saw her Aunt Mary standing in the corner with Uncle Henry, Aunt Edith, and it seems that Uncle Bertie had arrived and joined them, as well. Mary winked at Sybil as she walked over to them and joined them in a brief conversation. The guests were quite eager to greet Sybil, and those that did not know her wanted to introduce themselves right away. Sybil was quite overwhelmed by all the attention, but she remained polite and welcoming, as she always was. She was hugged and kissed by more family, and was even surprised by some of the guests there, such as her Uncle Kieran, her father's brother. Once Sybil was through meeting with all her guests, she joined her cousin Marigold by the fireplace.

"There are so many people here," Marigold said.

"There are. I just spoke to most of them." Sybil took a sip of her drink and laughed. "Quite exhausting, really."

"I'm sure," Marigold smirked. "Have you seen George?"

"I think George is talking to a few lady guests but Aunt Mary is keeping an eye on him."

"Oh!" Marigold giggled. "George is a gentleman, though. She has nothing to worry about with him. What of his friend? The one you've been talking to this afternoon, where is he?"

"Oh, I'm not sure," Sybil said, realizing that she had not spoken to Edward Trent this evening. She did see him, but she must have missed him as she was making her rounds. He was tall so she knew she could spot him now that she was looking.

"Will you dance him if he asks?" Marigold asked with a cheeky grin. "I hope you do. I saw you two talking earlier, and when you were seated under the tree, he kept looking at you and it was so nice," she sighed. "I think I'll base a prince in a story after him."

"Oh, Marigold," Sybil laughed. She then saw her grandfather approach them with a stern look on his face.

"Oh, no, Donk is upset about something," Marigold whispered.

"Sybil," her grandfather called out as he walked over to her. "Your grandmother wants to me dance with you to this awful music. However, because of my great love for her and for you, I have decided to accept. Would you like to dance with me?"

"Of course, Donk!" Sybil accompanied her grandfather to the dancing area. The music had begun to slow, thank goodness because her grandfather did not know how to dance to swing. He held his granddaughter and began to dance with her.

"Donk, you dance very well," Sybil smiled.

"Oh, thank you, Sybbie. You don't have to lie to your poor old grandfather, though," he chuckled.

"It's not a lie!" Sybil giggled.

Her grandfather shook his head and looked at his granddaughter. "You look very pretty. It saddens me to see how grown up you are yet it gladdens my heart to see how wonderful of a person you have become. Your father did a fine job raising you."

She smiled radiantly at him. "Donk, that is so kind of you. Have you told my father that yet?"

"Not yet, but I will get to it."

"Oh, Donk," Sybil sighed and continued to dance with her grandfather. Once the dance ended, Sybil kissed her grandfather's cheek and returned him to her grandmother, who was overjoyed from seeing him dance. Sybil then walked about the rooms, searching for Marigold, who was no longer by the fireplace. She then saw her being led to the dancing area by George for the next song. Sybil smiled as she watched her cousins, who also seemed to have grown up during her absence from Downton. As she watched them, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned and was met by Edward Trent. He was dressed in a black suit and his hair was done neatly, like an actor from Hollywood. His hazel eyes looked especially green in the light. Sybil had never seen anyone so handsome.

"Good evening, Miss Sybil," Edward said with a smile.

"Good evening."

"Would you like to dance with me?" He asked, holding his hand out to her.

"I would love to dance with you, Edward." Sybil gave him a smile and took his hand. Edward then guided her to the dancing area. He thought Sybil was the most beautiful woman in the room and he truly wanted to get to know her better since much had probably changed since they last saw each other. He placed one hand on her waist, and the other in her hand, as she placed her free hand on his shoulder. The two danced to a soft ballad the band was playing.

"You look enchanting, Sybil," Edward said quietly. "When I saw you walking down the stairs earlier this evening, I thought I was in the presence of royalty."

Sybil blushed. "Why, thank you. You're quite charming," she smiled. Edward chuckled and saw George watching him with a fixed look on his face as he danced with Marigold. He raised an eyebrow at Edward in question.

"Don't look now but your cousin is staring at us as if we were his prey," Edward whispered to Sybil. Sybil tilted her head back slightly to see.

"Oh, he's so silly. He's quite overprotective of me, I think. We're only dancing. Don't worry about him."

One dance with Edward became two dances and two dances became three dances and, surprisingly, George had left Sybil and Edward alone. Hours passed and guests were beginning to leave but Sybil's family was continuing the festivities. Edward and Sybil soon found themselves outside, taking in the summer night. Faint music from inside could still be heard and Sybil lightly swayed as she hugged herself.

"Hm, I like this song," she smiled. Edward glanced at her. "Which song is it?"

"It's called 'The Way You Look Tonight'. It's from a Fred Astaire movie."

"Oh, I am not familiar with it. But it's nice," Edward said and looked up at the sky. "There are so many stars out tonight."

Sybil gazed at the star-filled night sky. "There are. It's beautiful."

"Yes." Edward glanced back inside the house and then back at Sybil. "Do you think you and I can go into the village together sometime?"

Sybil nodded. "Yes, that would be fun. Just us?"

"Just us. I would like to spend more time with you and get to know you a bit better if that's alright. I want to catch up, I should say."

Sybil could see Edward faintly blush, which made her smile softly. "I would like the same, Edward."

The two spent some time outside watching the stars until the festivities were over. The house was starting to get cleaned up and Sybil's family was expressing their interest in bed. However, the men decided to remain downstairs for another drink while the women went upstairs. Edward walked Sybil to the staircase before he joined in the after-party drinking.

"Thank you for the lovely evening," Edward smiled.

"Thank you, Edward," Sybil blushed and she walked up the first step of the staircase.

"Sybil?" Edward said and gently took her hand. Sybil turned to him.

"Sleep well," he said and kissed her hand.

"Sleep well, Edward." Sybil hurriedly went upstairs and was stopped by a sleepy Marigold.

"Do I have permission to write about this budding romance between you and Mr. Trent?" She asked. "You've only been here two days! Although, I did hear from mother and Aunt Mary that you had a crush on him years ago," she yawned

"Marigold, you need to sleep," Sybil smiled and hugged her cousin. "Go on. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Ooh, I can't wait." Marigold laughed and went to her room. Sybil shook her head at her cousin. She did feel a connection with Edward Trent but she did not want to call it a romance right away. Perhaps it was and is still a crush, but she did want to get to know him better and spend more time with him.

Sybil entered her room and sleepily changed into a nightgown. She had an amazing and unforgettable evening but her feet were exhausted from dancing. She placed her mother's bracelet gently in its box and laid her earrings on her vanity. Once she washed her face, she snuggled into bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow, dreaming of dancing the night away. Her dreams began to fade into darkness, though, and hours later, she was startled awake by a loud pounding on her door.