Whoever was pounding on Sybil's door was growing more and more impatient, as the pounding quickened with each second. Sybil's heart quickened along with the pounding. She feared that Downton Abbey was in a state of emergency, so she quickly left her bed and ran to her door without putting her robe on. She threw the door open and was met face to face with an already dressed for the day Marigold. Her eyes were big with fear.

"Sybbie!" She cried, shocked that her cousin was still in her nightgown.

"What's happened? Have I overslept through something?" Sybil asked, desperate to know what on earth was happening.

"It's eleven o'clock! You must get ready now! The Prime Minister is to speak on the radio soon! Something has happened. We're not sure what yet," Marigold explained.

"Eleven? The Prime Minister? Has it something to do with the Nazis?" Sybil asked.

"We think so. Hurry and get dressed! We're downstairs in the drawing room. Hurry, Sybbie!" Marigold quickly left Sybil's door and ran downstairs. Sybil closed the door to her room and frantically got ready by herself. She had never slept in so late! She undressed and grabbed a pale blue gown from her wardrobe and slipped it on. She threw water at her face for a quick wash and roughly brushed her wavy hair and left it as is, slipping two pins on each side of her head to hold her hair away from her face. This was not was she was expecting the morning to be like. Her feet ached slightly from dancing the night before but that did not stop her from running about her room as she readied herself. She slipped on a pair of shoes and left her room once she finished rushing through her morning routine.

Everything was quiet as she made her way downstairs. She wondered what was to be announced on the radio and she prayed that it was nothing too terrible. Were the Nazis now beyond London? Had they left Poland? As she entered the drawing room, she immediately felt the fear in the air. Her father stood as she entered the room and took her hand.

"Good morning, darling." He kissed her cheek quickly and sat again. Sybil sat in between him and Aunt Mary, who was staring at the radio. Uncle Henry had his arm on her shoulder. Aunt Edith sat across from them, with her arm around Marigold, who was next to Uncle Bertie. Her grandmother sat beside them, looking worriedly at Donk. Edward and George stood, leaning against the fireplace mantle. Sybil glanced at Edward, who gave her a small smile in return.

The voice of the Prime Minister was soon heard on the radio. Everyone sat up and faced the radio. Donk wiped his face with a handkerchief. "Here it goes," he muttered and sat next to Cora, who immediately held his hand.

The Prime Minister began to explain that the British Ambassador in Berlin had given Germany notice that if they failed to remove troops from Poland, a war would exist between them. Sybil slowly slid her arm through the crook of her father's arm as the Prime Minister spoke. Then, the news filled the room. With a steady voice, filled with the slight quake of fear and disappointment, the Prime Minister made his announcement: "... this country is at war with Germany."

"No," Aunt Mary gasped.

"Damn it all." Donk stood and went to the window. Aunt Edith sobbed and held Marigold to her, as George went to comfort his mother with his step-father. Sybil's father leaned forward with a heavy sigh and held his head in his hands. Sybil looked at the reactions of her family and it struck fear within her; it happened too quickly and had seemed unreal to her. Sybil turned to Edward, who had a somber look on his face. He did not smile at her this time. Sniffles, silent sobs, and sighs filled the room as the Prime Minister continue and concluded his speech. "...Now may God bless you all and may He defend the right. For it is evil things that we shall be fighting against, brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression, and persecution. And against them, I am certain that the right will prevail."

"The right shall always prevail," Uncle Bertie said quietly as he put his arms around Edith.

"What's going to happen now?" Marigold asked.

"Nothing is certain when it comes to war," Donk began, "Only death and destruction."

"Oh, Robert," Sybil's grandmother sighed.

"It's true, Cora. We've already experienced a war not too long ago and now it's happened again." Donk left the window and stood in the middle of the room. "We must remain courageous, children. No harm shall come to us or Downton."

"We hope," Aunt Mary said.

Sybil's father leaned back in his seat. "There's not much we can do now other than hope and pray. We all have prevailed through war before. We can do it again."

For a few minutes, the family sat in silence, taking in all that was said to them over the radio waves. Sybil was lost deep in her thoughts. What did all of this mean for her and her future? She and her father would return to America in two months; or did they have to leave sooner because of the war? She feared that the war would affect them once they returned home, as well. America was not involved in the war, yet war is unpredictable and any decision could be made.

Slowly, one by one, each member of Sybil's family left the room, each heading to his or her room or to have a drink. Sybil's father was the last to leave.

"Papa?" Sybil asked.

Her father stood. "Yes, darling?"

"I don't want there to be a war"

"No one does, Sybbie," her father sighed, "I pray you'll never see any of it. We are safe here at Downton and we shall be even safer when we return home."

"But what about the travel home?"

"I shall have to look into it. We may need to leave earlier than expected." Her father took her hand and gently squeezed it. "Don't be frightened, Sybil. Do not let this weigh heavy on you. I don't want you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Besides, we just celebrated your birthday; you should still be happy about that."

"Hm, I'll try not to be an Atlas, Papa," Sybil smiled sadly. Ever since she was very young, Sybil had always wanted to help others. If there was bad news from someone they knew, Sybil would stay awake worrying about them. Her father knew she had the soul of a helper, just like her mother, but he wanted to keep his daughter free from all worry, however, that was impossible, and he also knew this.

"Why don't you take a walk or drive through Downton? Take Marigold with you," her father suggested. A drive into the village sounded nice, and Sybil could use some fresh air, as well as a distraction.

"Alright, Papa. Thank you. Let me get her." Sybil gave her father a quick hug and left the room, walking through the eerily quiet house. She went upstairs to Marigold's room and knocked lightly.

"Marigold? It's Sybil." Sybil waited patiently before the door was slowly opened. Marigold's eyes were red and puffy from crying. Sybil noticed that Aunt Edith and Uncle Bertie were sitting on her bed behind her. Sybil realized she had just interrupted a conversation between the family.

"I'm sorry," Sybil frowned. "I was going to ask if you wanted to drive into the village with me."

"I don't think I can right now. We're talking... But I'm sure you may find someone else to join you. I'm sorry. I'll be up to it some other time." Marigold took a deep breath and crossed her arms.

"Of course, Marigold. Some other time then." Sybil knew how precious conversations and time spent between the three of them were, especially between mother and daughter, and she did not want to spoil it. Sybil had never experienced any of that, but she always wished she did, especially at a time like this. What would her mother say about this news of war? She would probably tell her to be courageous and to not let it frighten her, just as her father said.

Sybil made her way down the hall and to the staircase. She peeked over the banister to see if anyone was downstairs that she could ask to join her on her trip to the village. As she expected, there was no one. She figured her father and Donk had gone to talk and have a drink so she could not ask her father. She went downstairs anyway, prepared to go by herself. As she was walking to the door, she heard footsteps coming down the staircase. She turned around and slowly walked back to the staircase to see who it was. Edward saw her as he walked down the staircase and tilted his head. "Are you going somewhere?"

"I am, actually," Sybil said. "In order to get my mind off the recent news, I'm going to visit the village."

"May I join you?" Edward asked.

Sybil smiled and nodded. "You may!"

"Great," Edward smiled. "I could use a distraction myself." He opened the door for her and the two went outside together.

"I suppose we should fetch Mr. Crewe so he can drive us," Sybil said as they walked to the garage.

"I think we should give Mr. Crewe a break. We should drive ourselves," Edward suggested.

"Drive ourselves?"

"Yes! Do you know how to drive?"

Sybil nodded. "Yes, but-" "So can I! It's settled then. We are going to drive ourselves to the village." Edward, with a charming smile, continued to walk as Sybil stood watching him. She enjoyed the idea, but she wasn't sure what her family would think of her driving into town with Edward unchaperoned and without a chauffeur. She shrugged off the thought. It was almost 1940. She did not see the reason for chauffeurs nowadays, at least in her life experience. She quickly followed behind Edward. Mr. Crewe had just finished washing the car and was making his way inside Downton Abbey as they approached the garage.

"Mr. Crewe?"

Mr. Crewe waved. "Ah, Miss Sybil! Did you need anything?"

"Yes," she began, " I was wondering if Mr. Trent and I may borrow the car. We want to go into the village."

Mr. Crewe's eyes grew wide. "Borrow the car? You're going to drive the car yourself?"

"Either Edward or I, yes."

"Miss Sybil, I do not think Lord Grantham would appreciate me letting his niece wander away in the car without a chauffeur."

"She's safe with me, Mr. Crewe," Edward said. "Lord Grantham won't mind. Miss Branson and I are both experienced drivers. We shall take very good care of the car and ourselves."

Mr. Crewe thought for a moment, wondering if he should trust the two young people that stood before him. He gave in and nodded. "Then you may take the car. Please be careful. If anything were to happen it would be my fault."

"Thank you, Mr. Crewe!" Sybil smiled and went to the car. "Do not worry about us."

Edward opened the car door. "Go inside and relax, Mr. Crewe. And thank you!"

"You're welcome." Mr. Crewe went to the door to the servant's quarters but remained in the doorway to be sure the two drove off safely.

Sybil went to the passenger side door but Edward stood in front of her.

"I want to see you drive, Sybil," Edward chuckled. "You did say you can drive."

"Well, yes, but I want you to drive," Sybil smirked.

"You drive to the village and I'll drive back. How does that sound?"

"Hmm," Sybil raised an eyebrow at him. "Fine." She got into the driver's seat as Edward sat in the passenger's seat.

"I must warn you, though," Sybil began, "I'm not too good at this. I ride my bicycle every day at home. I hardly ever use the car."

"Driving can be as easy as riding a bike," Edward laughed. "Who taught you to drive?"

"My father. Did you know he used to be the chauffeur here at Downton?"

"Really?" Edward asked. "Hopefully you inherited his skills then."

Sybil laughed. "I don't think so. He tells me I'm a fine driver but I think he just doesn't want to make me feel bad about my lack of skill." She turned on the car and lowered one of the shifts. "That should do it." She slowly stepped on the gas pedal and the car jerked.

"Careful!" Edward chuckled. "Be slow, but be in control."

"Sorry, I haven't done this in quite some time and never in a car like this." The car jerked a few more times before Sybil made it out of the garage smoothly and drove away. As she drove on, Downton Abbey was growing more and more distant.

"Much better." Edward relaxed in his seat. "How do you feel?"

"Better," Sybil said.

Edward noticed that Sybil was gripping the wheel tightly, so he reached over and gently pulled at her arm. "Relax your hands. You don't need to grip the wheel like that," he said. Sybil nodded and loosened her grip, feeling much better as she did so. She drove onward and soon they were in the village.

"Where should we go?" She asked. "Are you hungry?"

"A tad bit, yes," Edward said.

"Then let's eat," Sybil smiled and drove on.

"That sounds fine to me," Edward grinned. "What's the building right there?"

She glanced over her shoulder and saw the building in question. "That's the Cottage Hospital. My great aunt, Isobel Crawley, still works there from time to time."

"Ah, really? Isn't she George's grandmother, as well?"

"Yes," Sybil nodded. "She's trained as a nurse, having been one during the Boer War. She's quite knowledgeable. She helped encourage my mother to be a nurse during the Great War, as well."

"Did she? That's wonderful. Did your mother enjoy being a nurse?"

"My father told me she did. She always put the needs of others before herself. She so enjoyed helping the sick get well again. Downton Abbey housed sick soldiers so she was practically in charge of that." Sybil smiled and stopped the car.

"And are you like her, Sybil?" Edward asked leaning towards her.

Sybil glanced at him. "I like to think I am," she said. The two stared at one another until Sybil quickly got out of the car. "Here we are! Grantham Arms."

"A pub?" Edward smirked and got out of the car.

"Yes, a pub. I've heard the food here is delicious." Sybil and Edward walked up to the pub and entered. It wasn't too crowded but the two chose to sit at a table in the corner, due to the fact that some of the customers were rowdy.

"I did not want to ask, but I am curious: were you surprised by the news this morning?" Edward asked.

"Yes and no," Sybil sighed. "I had been reading the newspapers these past few days during our travels. If there must be a war, I hope it is one with a prompt resolution."

"I'm not too sure about that." Edward leaned back in his chair. "My parents thought the same when the last war happened. I was born before it ended."

"Really?"

"Yes. My father was killed before it ended, as well. I never was able to meet him. He died helping his fellow soldiers, I'm told," Edward said sadly. "I've always wished that I can do something as valiant in his honor for him someday."

Sybil smiled and placed her hand over Edward's. "I know your father has seen you grow into a wonderful young man, just as my mother has seen me grow up, as well. They are always watching over us and they love us."

Edward smiled and kissed Sybil's hand. "Thank you, Sybil. Oh, and I very much enjoyed dancing with you last night."

"Of course," Sybil blushed. "I did, as well."

The two had a wonderful meal at the pub, as well as wonderful conversation about the past and about the party. They look a long time to finish their food but the conversation was more appealing to them since they had a lot of catching up to do. When they walked out of the pub, it was already late in the afternoon and Sybil knew that they would be missed at Downton. Like Edward had said earlier, this time, he drove them back to Downton. To their surprise, they were not scolded upon arrival. The house was as quiet as it had been earlier in the day.

"I wonder if they were asking where we were at lunch," Edward chuckled.

"If they even had lunch together," Sybil said.

"We did wonder." Sybil's father approached them and stood next to Sybil.

"Papa!" Sybil had failed to tell her father that she was going to the village with Edward, though he did advise her to go out. He thought that she had been with Marigold, and she wasn't sure as to how her father would react if she spent the afternoon with a young man.

"I thought you were going with Marigold," her father said. To her surprise, he sounded relatively calm and even had a small smile on his face.

"Well, Papa, I was going to go with her, but she was talking to Aunt Edith and Uncle Bertie. So, I went downstairs and saw Edward and invited him to go with me."

"I see," her father said. "And did you have a nice time?"

Edward stood silently, hoping that he did not ruin his chances of spending more time with Sybil.

"I did. We ate at Grantham Arms. I also drove into the village!" Sybil laughed, calm now that her father did not seem to be upset with her.

"Oh, did you?" Her father smiled. "How did she do, Trent?"

"Well, she was a bit nervous at first but once she relaxed, the drive was perfect," Edward nodded and looked at Sybil, who smiled at him.

"Why, thank you."

"I'm glad you two enjoyed the afternoon. As long as my daughter is happy and being taken care of, I'm happy. However, Sybil, can you please tell me with whom you are leaving Downton Abbey with next time?"

"Yes, Papa."

"Thank you." Her father kissed her head and went upstairs.

"I thought I was going to get into trouble there." Edward made a sigh of relief.

"Oh, no," Sybil giggled. "My father is very kind and understanding. He wouldn't be upset with you."

"Good," Edward smiled.

"I think I'm going to rest until dinner. I can tell that dinner is not going to be a very happy one due to everyone's mood."

"I think you're right about that."

Sybil nodded and went to the staircase. "Thank you, Edward. I had a wonderful time with you."

"Oh, likewise, Sybil," Edward smiled. "Thank you for allowing me to go with you."

"You're welcome," Sybil blushed. "I'll see you at dinner then."

"Till dinner," Edward nodded. Sybil smiled at him and then went up the stairs and to her room. Collapsing onto her bed, she thought of all the other outings she and Edward could have together. If a war was here, she felt that she had better make use of the time before it was too late. She hugged her pillow to her and closed her eyes. When she drifted into a deep sleep, she dreamed of more wonderful times with Edward and her family until her sleep was interrupted, yet again, by a knock announcing dinner.