The clouds that filled the sky the following morning seemed to tint the world around Downton Abbey in a dull gray. Sybil had noted it as she ate her breakfast in bed. She hoped that the dance would not be canceled due to tonight's weather since it looked as though rain was to come again. She shrugged off the feeling and chose to ignore the weather, and she got out of bed looking forward to the day. She opened the window and inhaled the fresh air.

"Good morning!" Sybil heard from below her. Surprised, she glanced downward and saw Edward Trent waving at her. He was dressed warmly, with a dark brown coat and a flat cap. Sybil smiled and waved back.

"Where are you going so early?" She asked, trying to be quiet enough to not disturb her household but loud enough for him to hear.

"George wanted to go on a drive and to have some breakfast in the village. Lord Grantham, your father, uncles, and I are going," Edward said.

"All you men? That's wonderful! My father never mentioned it to me!" Sybil was genuinely thrilled that her father would be going on an outing with her grandfather, her uncles, George, and Edward. She wanted her father to continue to get to know Edward, and it was always good for him to spend time with the men of the family.

"It was decided over drinks last night while you ladies were asleep."

"Well, that's wonderful!" As Sybil spoke, she saw her father walk toward Edward. She heard him ask about George and the car.

"Good morning, Papa!" Sybil called out. Her startled father looked up and saw his daughter at her bedroom window. He smiled and waved.

"Hello, my darling! Did you sleep well?"

"Just fine, Papa!"

"That's good. We'll return later, alright? Get yourself ready for the day," her father said.

"I will, Papa," Sybil said and waved again. Edward, who was watching her with a small smile, waved at her while she closed her window. A youthful giddiness swept through Sybil and she spun around, feeling ever so silly as she did so. When her spin came to a halt, she was face to face with herself in her mirror. Her hair was a tangled mess from sleep but her face was luminous from a long restful night. She lightly shook her head at herself in the mirror and went to her wardrobe to choose a dress for the day.

After slipping on her small heels, an abrupt knock sounded at her bedroom door. Sybil almost clumsily stood up from her bed and went to see who was seeking her out. Her aunt, Mary, was standing before her in a casual burgundy dress, a dark gray coat, and a burgundy hat with a gem at the center. Sybil could see that her aunt's hair was also perfectly coiffed beneath the hat, as it always was. She looked as if she were the one who was to attend a dance at this moment! Even though her aunt was well into her forties, almost fifty, Sybil always thought she was one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen and her independence had been something she had always admired.

"Aunt Mary! Good morning!" Sybil greeted. "You look beautiful."

"Oh, thank you, Sybbie. Are you currently busy and dressed to leave?"

"I'm dressed and no, I'm not busy at all. I just finished getting ready. I'm afraid I'll have to change into something much more formal if I am to join you on your outing."

"Don't be silly. I'm simply going for a walk. The weather is cool and crisp and I think this is the perfect morning to enjoy it. Would you care to join me?"

"I'd love to," Sybil said with a nod. "Let me just get my coat and a hat."

"Fine," Aunt Mary smirked. "I'll be downstairs." With that, Aunt Mary left the doorway and went downstairs, while Sybil followed after taking a few moments to find a hat and coat.

"I'm sure the rain won't disrupt our walk," Aunt Mary said as she went outside with Sybil. The men had already left, so the two were alone in front of Downton Abbey. "And if it does, what's the matter with a little bit of rain?"

"Nothing at all," Sybil smiled. "So as long as it doesn't pour."

The two women walked side by side and began their journey through the grounds of Downton Abbey. As they walked, Sybil's childhood memories at Downton Abbey began to fill her thoughts. She saw herself running along the grass with her cousins as they chased one another. She remembered that someone would always fall and end up crying and an adult would be furious and complain about the grass stains the children's clothing would sport after a day of play. She and her aunt passed by the tree that she and her father would sit under to read stories. She remembered her father reading her stories from Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh during their visits to Downton. It was also that same tree that she and George climbed and hid in when they had accidentally knocked over a vase in the library during an indoor game of ball. They were eight and nine years old during that incident. The six-year-old Marigold had tattled on them to their grandmother and then proceeded to tell everyone else in the home. Everyone in the household was worried sick about them until Mr. Barrow found them in the tree, hours later. George was scolded far worse than Sybil was by the adults, but both were forgiven and the vase was soon replaced.

Sybil glanced at her aunt as they walked and saw that her aunt seemed a bit solemn now. Her aunt wasn't one to smile very much but Sybil could sense a sadness starting to emanate from her. "Are you well, Aunt Mary?"

Mary suddenly turned her head toward her niece and smiled sadly. "Yes! Of course. All is well with me," she began to insist but then her smile faded. "Why am I lying? No, Sybbie. I'm not well."

Sybil, filled with sudden worry, placed a hand on her aunt's arm. "Are you ill?" Her voice was full of concern.

"Sick with worry is more like it," her aunt sighed and rolled her eyes. "About George."

"Is it because he wants to go off to war?" Sybil asked as their pace slowed.

"Yes," her aunt said with tears beginning to cloud her vision; she refused to let them fall, however. "I know I sometimes don't show it, but that boy frightens me so with his wild ideas."

"I can imagine how frightening it must be," Sybil empathized. "He's your only son. I can't imagine having to lose him. But, Aunt Mary, he is so brave."

"I know he's brave. I'm so proud of my boy, but I just wish there would be no war so that he can get this idea out of his mind. I can't change it, though. Henry can't either and believe me, he's tried."

Sybil nodded in understanding. She kept her hand on her aunt's arm and remained close to her as they slowly walked. She said nothing, allowing her aunt to continue speaking her thoughts. "And," Mary began. "I feel that I was a terrible mother to him at times. I was so selfish when he was growing up. I was always off doing things for myself and not for him," her aunt said with a sniffle.

"Oh, that's not true," Sybil said. "You were always there! I remember."

"I wasn't always there, Sybbie. I wasn't."

"But you were the best mother you could be for him. He loves you dearly, Aunt Mary."

"I know he does. It was just so difficult because he did not have Matthew, his father, growing up. Henry has been the best father he could be for George but I know sometimes George wishes that instead of Henry, it was Matthew. I'm so grateful for your father, as well, Sybil. When you and your father would visit, George would see him as a role model and another father-figure he could turn to."

"My father loves George dearly. He's more than a cousin to me; he's like a brother."

"Yes. I just don't want anything to happen to my boy. I couldn't bear it if he were dead like his father. I can't live if they're both gone. And you, wanting to go off and be a nurse. I support you wholeheartedly, Sybbie, but you children are just too precious to us. "

A light breeze blew past and through them bringing a chill but at the same time a sort of comfort. Sybil had felt a similar chill while she was seated at her mother's grave with her father. She felt the need to pull her aunt into a tight embrace and she did so. That was when she felt her aunt's tears begin to slowly fall. "The future is so uncertain, Sybbie," her aunt told her. "We always wish we had more time with the person who is suddenly taken from us." Sybil knew that Aunt Mary was speaking once more of late husband, Matthew Crawley. "One always wishes that they had more time with the person," her aunt said as she lightly pulled away. She gave a teary-eyed smile to Sybil and then patted her eyes with a handkerchief from her coat pocket. "Sybil, I hope that you never go through life with regret. Remember to let those you love know it and remember to spend time with those you care about. If you love someone, let them know before it is too late."

"I know," Sybil said, trying not to cry as well.

"And I'm not just talking about family love," her aunt said. "I also mean falling in love. If you ever fall in love with someone, don't let them go, especially if they love you back. You'll end up wishing you would have had more time with them, as I do."

Sybil looked up at her aunt and could not think of a word to say to her, so she gave her a solemn nod. Her aunt gave her a reassuring smile in response and continued to walk. Sybil, who was confounded and yet understood who her aunt was speaking about, slowly followed behind.

"Forgive me for crying. I did not mean to," her aunt said, gaining stability in her voice and aura again.

"It's perfectly alright," Sybil said, joining her side. "It's been an emotional week for all of us."

"Yes, I'm hoping the fair will be a fine distraction. Anyway, I'm afraid George is too young to enlist. That's something else that has been on my mind."

"Too young?"

"He's only eighteen. I'm not sure he will even be allowed to enlist. At least, that's what I hope."

Sybil had never thought about the age restrictions when it came to enlisting. If George was rejected due to his age, he would surely be disappointed but it would keep him safe. "I think that wouldn't stop him. He would go as soon as he was the right age."

"Oh, of course. He's very stubborn," Aunt Mary smiled sadly.

Silence followed and Sybil was beginning to think of a new subject to speak about. However, the silence was peaceful as they walked along the grass. Sybil decided to remain quiet so that her aunt can regain her thoughts and speak when she felt like speaking again.

Minutes passed and the smell of rain began to linger in the air but they did not turn to go back.

"It's going to rain quite a lot later, I'm sure," Aunt Mary said.

"Yes, and I have an outing tonight with Edward Trent." Sybil decided to share with Aunt Mary that she was going out to dance with Edward; she was sure she wouldn't tell George.

"Oh?" Aunt Mary asked with a raised eyebrow at Sybil. "Do tell."

"I'm going to Jubilee Dance Hall with Edward tonight. Papa found a flyer for it yesterday and said I should take him. I think it will be great fun."

"Great fun, indeed! What dress shall you wear?"

"I haven't the slightest idea yet."

"I shall help you get ready," Aunt Mary announced. "You shall look absolutely beautiful, although you don't need much help with that."

Sybil blushed. "That is very kind of you to say."

"And you are to go unchaperoned? Shall George go?"

"Ah, Aunt Mary, I would prefer it if George doesn't know about it. He can be a bit- well, he-" "I understand," Aunt Mary smirked. "I won't say a word to him."

A light rain suddenly began to fall and Aunt Mary held onto Sybil's arm. "I know I said that I didn't mind the rain, but now I think I changed my mind. Let's go back," she laughed.

The two walked as quickly as they could back to Downton before the rain began to pour. When they returned, Aunt Edith and Marigold were seated in the library, so Mary and Sybil joined the two and spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon with them.

"You know I quite like Joan Crawford. She is quite beautiful," Aunt Mary said as she sipped on her afternoon tea.

"She is," Aunt Edith said with a nod. "Her new movie was just released in the cinema, I believe."

"Yes, the one with Norma Shearer," Cora responded. "Quite glamorous."

Marigold, who seemed bored, looked at Sybil for a new conversation. "I'm planning on writing more of my story later. I have so many new ideas."

"That's so wonderful, Marigold," Sybil said. She took a sip of her tea and then heard a voice from outside the library. Through the open doors, she could see her grandfather, Uncle Henry, Uncle Bertie, and George walk by. Sybil craned her neck a bit and saw her father walking with Edward. She smiled at the sight and her father peeked into the room.

"Hello, ladies," he greeted.

"Hello, Tom," Mary said with a faint wave.

"Hello, Papa," Sybil said and went over to him. "Did you all get caught in the rain?"

"No, we made it to the car on time," her father said.

"Thank goodness," Sybil smiled and then looked at Edward. "Hello, Edward."

"Hello, Sybil," he smiled charmingly. "You look lovely this afternoon."

"Better than I did at the window?" Sybil laughed.

Edward chuckled. "Well, you always look lovely."

"That she does," Sybil's father added with a proud smile.

Sybil shyly nodded her thanks with a smile.

"Well, I don't want to keep you from your aunts," her father said. "We'll see you after."

"Alright, Papa, I'll see you both later," Sybil smiled and returned to her seat greeted with questioning eyes and raised eyebrows from her cousin, aunts, and grandmother.

After the little chat in the library was finished and the tea nearly gone, Sybil went up to her room for an afternoon nap. As she lay there in such comfort, her eyes became heavy with sleep and her sleep became heavy with dreams of her mother and father, of her childhood, and of Edward.

"Sybil! Sybil, wake up!"

Sybil's eyes flew open and she rubbed them to clear her vision. "Yes? What is it?" She asked aloud.

"You've been asleep for hours. It's time to wake up and get ready!"

Sybil blinked twice and her vision steadied on the woman who was already at her wardrobe going through her clothes with a determined look on her face. "Aunt Mary? What time is it?"

"Late enough for you to be getting ready for the dance. Up, up!"

Sybil yawned and tossed her legs over on the side of the bed. "I'm sorry. I was dreaming." She went to her vanity and wet her face with the water from her basin. "I had many dreams during my nap. My first dream was of my parents. We were in Boston together at the outdoor markets and my mother looked so beautiful."

"Yes, and I'm sure she's looking down at you and thinking that you need to get ready for this dance!" Aunt Mary sighed.

Sybil smiled and glanced at the picture of her mother on her vanity and then to her own face in the mirror. "I think I'll wear the dress I wore for my birthday party."

"He's already seen you in that," Aunt Mary sneered. "Here, how is this dress?" Aunt Mary pulled out one of Sybil's more formal dresses. It was an elegant emerald green chiffon dress with a thin black strip of fabric along the waist. "Where on earth did you get this? This is so elegant, Sybil. Perfect for dancing! It's not very long either, so you won't be tripping on it."

"I bought it when I went to New York City for a day with my friend, Mae Benson. I'll wear that then," Sybil said as she beheld the beauty of the dress. The sight of it began to fill her with excitement and she was finally fully awake from her nap.

Within the hour, Sybil was donned in her emerald dress and her hair was in elegant waves. Her faint green eye shadow matched her dress and her rose-red lipstick completed the entire look. Sybil smiled at herself in the mirror. "I don't normally wear eye shadow," she said, closing one eye to get a better view. "But I feel beautiful."

"You look as though you should be in Vogue or in the movies," her aunt said, placing her black evening wrap on her niece's shoulders.

"Thank you. Oh! I wanted to wear my mother's bracelet." Sybil opened the drawer of her vanity and took out the small box, which held the beautiful accessory. She gingerly slid the diamond bracelet onto her wrist and closed the clasp. "Perfect."

"Well, you are ready now so I must be off," her aunt said as she patted her on the shoulder. "Do not be nervous, it's only a dance. Have fun."

"I shall," Sybil smiled and watched her aunt walk out of her door.

"Oh, Sybil, your beau and your father are waiting downstairs," her aunt said quietly as she peered over the staircase railing.

"He isn't my beau, Aunt Mary!" Sybil whispered with a blush.

"Of course not," her aunt said. "Well, you should go downstairs then. Good luck, Sybil." And with that, her aunt went down the hall and Sybil was left alone. Sybil took a deep breath and smiled at herself in the mirror confidently. She gave the photograph of her mother one last look and left her bedroom.

As she descended the staircase, she could see Edward conversing with her father and suddenly looking up at her. Her face felt hot as his eyes met hers and she looked down at her feet as she walked down the last steps. Gaining her courage, she met Edward's gaze again and smiled at him. He was wearing a black suit, fine black shoes, and a hat. "You look beautiful, Miss Sybil," Edward said and kissed her hand. He was quite the gentlemen, Sybil thought.

"Thank you. You look very handsome," Sybil said. She turned to her father and hugged him. "And you look handsome too, Papa."

"Oh, thank you, darling," her father said. "I'm just here to see you two off. I'll be joining the others for dinner soon."

"You can trust that I shall take care of your daughter at the dance. I'll be sure she has a wonderful time, Mr. Branson," Edward said as he shook his hand.

"I know you will, Trent," Sybil's father reassured. "Enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you, Papa," Sybil smiled. Her father kissed her hand and then walked away to the library to join her family. Once he was gone, Sybil glanced up at Edward. "Shall we go then?"

"Yes." Edward opened the door to the outside for her and Sybil slowly walked out with him. The air was quite chilly so Sybil held tightly onto her evening wrap as she walked.

"Are you going to drive us to the dance hall, Edward?" She asked.

"Oh, no. I was going to but Mr. Crewe wouldn't hear of it," Edward chuckled. As he spoke, Mr. Crewe drove up and parked the car in front of them. Edward glanced at Sybil and opened the car door for her. Sybil entered the car and slid onto the other side. She placed her hands on her lap and glanced around excitedly. Edward slipped into the car after her and removed his hat, brushing the brims of it as he placed it over his knee. Sybil noticed that the partition of the car, which separated the driver from the passenger compartment, was closed. Edward reached over and opened the partition. "Mr. Crewe? We're ready to go."

"Alright, let's be off." Sybil heard Mr. Crewe say. She felt and heard the car begin as Edward closed the partition.

"Having the partition closed makes me feel like a very important member of royalty," Sybil said to Edward. "I'm not used to it." Not used to this much privacy, rather, she thought.

"Oh, shall I open it? Mr. Crewe said it would be proper if we kept it closed," Edward said reaching to open it.

"Oh, no, no, we may keep it closed," Sybil said. "I'll pretend we're famous actors."

Edward laughed and got comfortable in his seat. "Are you excited?"

"Very! I've been looking forward to it all day. I do hope it doesn't begin to rain, though."

"If it does, we'll be inside most of the evening anyway."

"True," Sybil said. "Did George see you?"

Edward shook his head. "No, he didn't. He was reading in the library last I saw him. I wasn't ready to be pestered with questions so I avoided him."

"Good," Sybil sighed. "Well, I simply cannot wait to dance with you."

"Neither can I. We'll be a regular Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers by the end of the night!"

Sybil laughed. "Oh, how delightful! I wish I could dance like Ginger Rogers."

Since Jubilee Dance Hall was quite far from Downton, Sybil and Edward were able to converse for a while, which made the drive enjoyable for both of them. Sybil discovered that during that day, her father had spoken to Edward at length about Sybil's childhood and her mother. Edward told Sybil that he greatly admired her father and praised him for raising such a wonderful daughter alone in America. This comment made Sybil proud of her father and was ever so grateful for him working hard all his life for her. Afterward, they moved on to discussing interests and aspirations. Edward also expressed to her his desire to travel and Sybil said the same. He hoped to one day see Paris and New York City. Sybil promised to show him New York City if he ever went to the United States in the future.

When they entered York, the two could see the bright lights from within Jubilee Dance Hall. Sybil's heart went aflutter when the car stopped and the evening would begin. Edward put his hat back on, stepped out of the car, and held his hand out for Sybil. Sybil took his hand and exited the car, smiling widely when she looked at the dance hall and heard the music coming from within. Her hand was still in the light grasp of Edward's hand when Mr. Crewe bid them a good evening.

"I'll be parked on the side of the hall. Do not worry about me. I shall pop off and have dinner somewhere nearby," he said to them through the open window as he drove away.

"Goodbye!" Sybil called out as the car left.

"Let's go join the party," Edward smiled and slowly let go of Sybil's hand, giving her his arm instead. Sybil nodded with a smile and slipped her hand through the crook his arm. The two went up the steps and joined the wave of young couples passing through the double doors of the dance hall. They soon found themselves in a sea of people. There were small tables everywhere, which couples were seated at alone or with their friends. Most were laughing, smiling, and drinking, while the rest were dancing. The dance floor was full of couples and as some left to take their seat, more got up to dance. The band was playing quite loudly and they were in full swing, playing the popular tune "Love of My Life". Sybil held tighter onto Edward's arm as they made their way further into the dance hall. Each table had a candle, which gave the hall an ethereal glow. The grand chandelier hanging above the dance floor made one's gaze go directly to the band and the dancing couples. Sybil couldn't keep her eyes away.

"Where should we sit?" Edward asked, trying to make his voice loud enough so Sybil could hear him over the music. The trumpets and big band drums sounded as Sybil opened her mouth to respond. She laughed and shook her head. "Anywhere!"

After making their way through a maze of tables, Edward and Sybil decided to sit at a small table in the corner. There had been a couple sitting there only a few minutes before but the two wanted to go someplace where they could be alone, so they offered Edward and Sybil the table.

"This is so beautiful," Sybil said as Edward pulled out her chair. She took her seat and removed her evening wrap from her shoulders.

"It is. You can just feel the energy of all these people," Edward said and sat across from her. Due to the table's small size, Sybil and Edward were seated quite close to one another, which made Sybil blush but she was grateful that they could hear one another better over the music. Edward removed his hat and placed it on the side of the table.

"May I interest you two in a glass of champagne?" A finely dressed waiter asked as he approached their table.

"Yes, thank you," Edward said and turned back towards Sybil, who was dancing slightly in her seat. He watched her with a smile.

"I'm so glad that my father found the flyer for this dance," Sybil said as she swayed.

"As am I. I am also grateful for the invitation."

"And I am grateful for your acceptance," Sybil smiled. Within moments, they were served champagne and the two held their glasses up.

"What shall we toast to?" Sybil asked, eyeing him over the rim of her small glass.

"The future? The evening? Each other?" Edward asked.

"Hm, how about all three? A toast to the future, the evening, and to each other." Sybil and Edward smiled and lightly clinked their glasses together. Sybil took a small sip of her champagne and then set it down. The band began to play "The Way You Look Tonight", a song she very much enjoyed. Edward saw Sybil's eyes widen for a brief moment as the song began to play. When he remembered he had heard this song at her birthday celebration at Downton, he immediately stood and held his hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"

Sybil lightly giggled and stood. "Of course, you may," she said and held his hand. They navigated themselves through the crowd of people and found a little area of the dance floor open to them. Slowly, the two began to dance. The song wasn't too fast but was fast enough to move along the dance floor together.

"This song played during your birthday party, remember?" Edward asked as he leaned in to talk to Sybil.

"I remember," Sybil smiled. "We were on the balcony talking when it was playing."

"We were."

Sybil and Edward hardly returned to their seats after the song ended. Song after song, the two remained on the dance floor. They danced through the fast-paced songs of Glenn Miller and the charming songs of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. Sybil was having the time of her life and she was enjoying every moment of it. They made each other laugh as they tried to keep up with the faster songs. Edward laughed especially loud when Sybil tried to mimic Astaire's dancing during "Puttin' On the Ritz."

"Sybil, you are quite a dancer!" Edward chuckled as they continued across the dance floor with the other couples.

"Oh, I'm not," Sybil sang. "You are quite the dancer!"

"Oh, I'm not," Edward repeated and grinned. After almost an hour and a half of dancing, the two returned to their table to catch their breath and rest their legs.

"This is too much fun," Sybil said as she took a sip of champagne. A strand of her wavy hair hung over her face as she did so, and Edward tucked it behind her ear for her.

"You do look like you've been dancing the night away," he said.

"So do you!" Sybil smiled and leaned over to fix his crooked bow-tie. "There." Sybil looked up at him and her eyes met his. Enthralled by her blue eyes, Edward leaned his elbows on the table and she did, as well. The two began to slowly lean towards one another until their table shook. "Oof!" Sybil fell back into her seat and was faced with a couple carrying two chairs; one of those chairs had just hit the edge of the table.

"I'm so sorry!" The young woman exclaimed. "My husband and I were wondering if we could sit here for a moment?"

Edward, who seemed only a tad bit bothered, stood and helped the woman with her seat. "You are welcome to sit with us," he said. The woman's husband nodded in thanks before he sat next to his wife.

"We're so sorry to interrupt," the woman said, seeming guilty.

"Interrupt? Don't worry," Sybil said graciously. "My name is Sybil Branson."

"And I am Edward Trent."

"Pleasure to meet you," the man said and shook their hands. He seemed to be a bit older than Edward. He had straight black hair, which was neatly combed back, and he had very broad shoulders. His wife, however, was quite petite and appeared to be closer to Sybil's age. She had shoulder length blonde hair and striking cheekbones.

"I am Elliot Woodhams, and this is my wife, Helen Woodhams."

"Pleased to meet you," Helen smiled and nodded to Sybil and Edward. "Eli and I were wed just a few weeks ago," she said proudly.

"Congratulations!" Sybil smiled.

"Congratulations. Are you on your honeymoon right now?" Edward asked.

"Oh, no, we can't really afford to travel right now," Helen explained. "That and the war and all."

"Indeed," Elliot said in agreement. "We don't want to be traveling anywhere out of the country at the moment."

"Yes, so we want to stay here and spend as much time with one another before Elliot leaves," Helen said as the waiter brought her a glass of champagne. Sybil looked questioningly at Mr. Woodhams.

"I am returning to join the war," he said. "I completed my military training during the summer and now I have to leave."

"Not yet, though!" Helen said as she took her husband's hand. "But soon."

Sybil saw the desperation in Helen's eyes to keep her husband by her side and she saw the sadness that took form in Elliot's eyes. She looked away at the dancers for a distraction.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Edward said to them. "But it is an honorable thing you are doing, Mr. Woodhams."

"Thank you, Trent. You seem strong and the right age to join, as well!"

"Oh, yes," Edward hesitated. "I do plan to enlist very soon."

Sybil held the face of shock when she heard Edward speak. She turned away from the dancers and looked back at him. Edward was glancing at her as if in apologies as Elliot Trent began to rain praise upon Edward's decision to enlist. Sybil felt her throat close up and she couldn't fathom any words to say to him. She had not heard him say anything about enlisting before, she had only spoken to him about George enlisting, which was difficult enough for her to imagine. She knew she couldn't feel shocked or betrayed for him not saying anything to her sooner, but it was certainly unexpected. Edward and George both were to enlist and there wasn't anything anyone can do to stop it. Even if George could not enlist due to his age, Edward certainly could. Edward was nearing twenty-two years of age and was more than capable of enlisting.

"We need young brave men to enlist, as many as we can get. This won't be an easy war to fight, I'm afraid. I hope it won't be as devastating as The Great War," Helen told Edward, whose attention was clearly driven towards Sybil. He turned away from Sybil and back to the couple.

"Yes, I understand. My father fought during the Great War," he said.

"Then I'm sure you've heard stories about how horrendous it was," Elliot said, taking a cigarette from his pocket. "Or does he keep that to himself as my father did?"

"Well, he was killed during the war. I never was able to meet him."

Elliot lit his cigarette and soon, a cloud of smoke surrounded the table. "I'm sorry about that, Trent."

"Oh, Lord rest his soul," Helen said quietly.

"Thank you," Edward said, clearing his irritated throat from the smoke. "I'm prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if need be, as my father did, for England."

"Well, many of those who want to enlist have the same mindset as you, Trent," Elliot told him.

Sybil, who hadn't said a word, began to feel her hot tears sting her eyes so she looked up at the chandelier to prevent her tears from falling. However, it was too late. Sybil did not want to direct the attention to herself and she really did not want to start any unnecessary drama so she tried to look for a way to escape the table. She saw that the doors to the balcony were opened and choose to go there to recompose herself. "Excuse me," Sybil said as she stood. "I'll be right back." She quickly walked away from the table and went out onto the balcony without waiting for a response from anyone from the table. Once outside, she instantly regretted her actions as the cold air engulfed her very being. She had left her evening wrap on her seat and couldn't return to the table only for them to see her tears. She wiped her face with the back of her hand and hugged herself tightly as she walked along the balcony. She saw couples huddled in corners while others were looking over the balcony at the moon hiding behind the dark night clouds.

Sybil walked until she was at the end of the balcony. She leaned against the railing and looked out, feeling the dread that she was sure her Aunt Mary had felt during their walk earlier in the day. She felt dread to see George and Edward enlist. Did George realize that enlisting meant he could possibly be killed? Did he truly understand what he was getting himself into? Did she fully understand what she was getting herself into? If anything were to happen to George, Sybil and her entire family would be in such a sadness, she couldn't see where they would find hope. She doesn't know what they would do without George. A part of her would be lost; a part of all of them. Her family had seen so much loss already. If Edward were to enlist and something were to happen to him, his mother would mourn him for the rest of her life and Sybil would join them. She hadn't spent much time with Edward through the years, only on a few of her visits to Downton, but she felt that she had spent much time with him during this visit that it made up for the previous years. She wanted more time with him. She wanted to assure herself that the way she felt when she was with him was true. That child-like crush she had on him when she was younger had turned into something more, she felt. The way her heart beat quickly when he smiled at her, the way her cheeks reddened when he made her laugh, and the way he made her feel beautiful and safe when they were together; she needed more of all of this. There was so much yet to discover and so much life left to live for all she knew. She never wanted any of it to end.

The night sky above her was dark with the promise of rain, but the glow of the moon radiated through. Sybil found it beautiful and stared at it as she thought about her future. What would she do anyway if Edward were to enlist? She would go off to train to be a nurse and he would go off to train to be a soldier. She was going to leave anyway, she realized, but she was going to leave unsure of what was to happen to those she cared for.

Minutes later, Sybil felt a familiar presence join her side and an arm lightly wrapped itself around her waist. "I'm sorry I did not say anything sooner," Edward said quietly. "I thought you had realized it by now."

"I had not," Sybil responded meekly. "I was too preoccupied with the thought of George enlisting. I should have realized, though. If George was enlisting, surely you would, as well."

Edward remained silent with his thoughts. He had come to care for Sybil and he never wanted to hurt her or cause her sadness. He stood close to her and held her hand. "We both are leaving to help the war efforts, Sybil. You are to be a nurse and I am to be a soldier."

"Yes, I realize that," Sybil said. "I'm sorry, I feel so selfish. Every time I hear something like this I become sad all over again."

"You have every right to be sad, Sybil," Edward said as he lightly rubbed her hand. "I didn't think you would be ecstatic about me leaving, but we'll be alright, Sybil. We just can't take anything for granted anymore. We have to celebrate life each day."

Sybil quickly wiped away new tears before they fell. She looked up at Edward and gave him a little smile. "You're right."

"Your father told me all that this afternoon. He helped me realize a lot."

Sybil tilted her hand. "He did? So you told him about enlisting?"

"I did," Edward said with a nod. "He said you would be upset if I told you. He also told me that you were going to go train to become a nurse. He said he can also see that I care for you and said to make every day count before we both leave."

Sybil smiled sadly and suddenly a rush of all sort of emotions came to her. She quickly embraced Edward and rested her head against his chest. Edward, who was a not taken aback by her sudden affection, put his arms around her and held her. He kissed her head and hoped that she wouldn't start crying again. He knew the evening was coming to an end and he did not want to have them both leave saddened. The couple remained on the balcony in a tight embrace for a few moments until very light raindrops began to fall upon their heads. Edward looked up and back at Sybil.

"Sybbie?"

"Hm?" Sybil asked, looking up from his shoulder. "Has it begun to rain?"

"It has," Edward chuckled, "Very faintly, though. We should go back inside. Let's return to our table."

"Alright, but not back to our table," Sybil said, suddenly shy. "I think I want to dance again if that's alright."

"More than alright," Edward smiled and held her hand. The two walked away from their place on the balcony and returned to the festive dance hall. The Woodhams were no longer seated at the table but were dancing together. Coincidentally, the band began to play "If You Were the Only Girl (In the World)." Sybil knew it was a popular tune during the Great War and a song for lovers. The soft piano filled the room along with the singer's gentle voice.

"Sometimes when I feel bad and things look blue,

I wish a pal I had, say one like you…"

Sybil and Edward began to dance together, slowly swaying to the music as it went on. She rested her head lightly on his shoulder as Edward danced closer to her, as well. Sybil heard him hum the song and it made her smile.

"If you were the only girl in the world and I were the only boy

Nothing else would matter in the world today

We can go on loving in the same old way…"

His humming comforted Sybil and she lightly sighed against him. She peered over his shoulder and saw the couples around them dancing similarly. She seemed to be looking in on intimate moments between the couples; she would see the men lean in and whisper something while the women giggled and said something back. She saw couples who couldn't keep their eyes off one another and some stole kisses here and there. Even the Woodhams had their heads huddled together. One could feel the love they shared for one another. Sybil wondered if she and Edward appeared as these other couples did; full of care - or even love - for one another. Did others see them in that way too?

"I would say such wonderful things to you

There would be such wonderful things to do

If you were the only girl and I were the only boy... "

The song soon ended and Sybil slowly gazed up at Edward. "Should we sit?" She asked. Edward nodded and, once again, held her hand as they walked back to their table.

"You knew the song," Sybil mentioned as they walked closely together.

"I did," Edward said. "My mother used to sing that song when I was a child. She and my father danced to it once at an event similar to this when he returned briefly from the trenches. She never forgot it."

"That's so sweet," Sybil said. When they returned to their table, they finished the tiny amounts of champagne they had left in their glasses.

"Miss Branson? Mr. Trent?" Helen Woodhams wandered over to the table with her husband. "We're leaving now but we wanted to say our farewells."

"It was nice to meet you two." Elliot Woodhams said to them.

"Perhaps we shall see one another again in the future, Miss Branson," Helen said as she shook Sybil's hand. Sybil was not sure what she meant by that but she nodded and smiled in return.

"Yes," Edward smiled and shook their hands. "Be safe."

"Have a nice evening," Sybil said as the couples exchanged their goodbyes. She turned to Edward and rested her arm on the table once the Woodhams had left. "I wonder what Mrs. Woodhams meant when she said that we would see each other again in the future."

"Well, Mrs. Woodhams is a nurse," Edward said.

"She is?" Helen Woodhams seemed much too fragile to be going into medical work but Sybil knew she shouldn't judge by appearances.

"She said she received her training last year. She's planning on returning to work in the hospital while her husband is away. You may see her again sometime depending on where you go."

"I might," Sybil said, feeling comfort in knowing that she may know someone during her life as a nurse.

When the dance was coming to an end, the band announced that they were going to play one last song. It was getting late and many of couples had left but those who did remain were ready for one last dance. Sybil certainly did not want to leave yet, nor did Edward. Without asking the other if they should stay for the last dance, the two stood and left the table together to dance their final dance for the evening.

"When you are in love

It's the loveliest night of the year…"

"Must this night end?" Sybil sight. She had not meant to ask that aloud but she met Edward's gaze as he replied.

"I don't want it to," Edward said, hand firm on her waist. "But I suppose all good things must come to an end."

"I don't like when that happens. Especially when good things end prematurely," Sybil said with a sad smile.

"One cherishes the moment when it doesn't last forever, though," Edward said and rested his head against Sybil's. Sybil wasn't expecting this action but she did not pull away. Being this close to Edward was a thrilling feeling, but she knew that her family would not be having any of it had they been in the same room with them.

"Be prepared for a lot of questions to answer tomorrow from your cousins," he chuckled.

"Oh, no! It'll feel like being questioned by a judge. At least, for me, it will. Marigold is always so full of questions."

"And George. Do you think he will be upset that I didn't tell him?" Edward smirked.

"No, for once he didn't know something."

The two danced in silence, both wanting to cherish the last moments of the dance. During the instrumental part of the song, Edward spun Sybil and then rejoined with her. The two smiled at one another and Sybil felt like she was in a fairytale that her father had read to her when she was younger. Edward could not keep his eyes off of Sybil and he didn't care if she noticed or not. He thought her to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and she was so different than any other girl he had met before. Dancing with her felt perfect to him and there was no one else he would rather dance with and he even thought that he would be everlastingly happy if she was the only one he could dance with for the rest of his life.

"So kiss me my sweet

It's the loveliest night of the year!"

The music came to an end, as did the dancing. The couples broke away from one another and applauded the musicians. Sybil pulled away from Edward to applaud the band while Edward applauded, as well, and then placed his arm around Sybil. Sybil blushed and they returned to their table to get her evening wrap and his hat.

"Mr. Crewe is probably parked outside of the hall now," Edward said as they followed the group of couples out. When the couples walked out the dance hall, laughter from the men and shrieks of surprise from the woman could be heard. It was pouring rain now, but one was not able to tell from inside the hall.

"Oh my goodness!" Sybil laughed as she walked into the pouring rain. Edward, who was just as surprised and amused, removed his coat and held it over Sybil to shield her from the rain.

"Hurry!" Edward laughed and the two carefully made their way down the slippery steps.

"Aren't you going to get drenched, Edward?" Sybil asked as they searched for the car.

"It's fine! Oh, there's the car!"

Edward and Sybil practically ran to the car to escape the rain. Edward opened the door for Sybil and kept his coat over her as she got into the car. Once she was in, Edward got into the car and quickly shut the door. He caught his breath and placed his coat on the floor on the car. Sybil, still trying to catch her breath from running in the rain, opened the partition to let Mr. Crewe know that they were ready to leave. "All ready to go, Mr. Crewe!"

"Wonderful! Did you two have a nice time?"

"An absolutely wonderful time," Edward said as he removed his wet hat.

Soon, the car was far away from Jubilee Dance Hall and the wonderful outing had come to an end. Sybil sighed and lightly stretched her arms as she closed the partition. "I hope my father won't be worried now that we're driving home in this rain."

"He knows we're arriving late. I don't think anyone will be awake waiting for us," Edward said.

"I'm sad it's over," Sybil later said. "But I'm happy we went."

"As am I. Another night well spent."

Sybil yawned and then turned to him. "Our feet will surely be sore tomorrow."

"I didn't even think about that," Edward chuckled. "We were a pair of dancing fools."

"And now we are to suffer the lovely consequences," Sybil said, inching closer to Edward. She was beginning to feel tired and rested her head against the window. Edward felt just as tired as Sybil did, so, without a word, he placed his arm around her and sat very close to her. He tapped her shoulder and gestured to her that she could lean against him. Sybil sleepily smiled and gladly rested her head on his shoulder. Edward looked down at Sybil with a content smile and rested his head on top of hers. The two remained silent for the rest of the long drive and Edward was sure that Sybil had eventually fallen asleep. He sighed and began to imagine a possible future with Sybil Branson. He stopped himself at first, though, telling himself it was foolish of him to think of such serious things about a girl whom he had played silly games with as a child. He reminded himself, though, of what her father had said: to not take anything for granted and make the best of each day. There was no harm in just thinking of the future with Sybil Branson, especially since war was unpredictable. If he were to survive the war, she was the one he would want to return to, if she felt the same way, of course. He felt Sybil shift against him and he began to rub her arm. Was he rushing into things? He felt he was, but war always brings people together. Romance has such bad timing, he thought. If his feelings for Sybil were true, which he felt they were, they would both wait for one another after the war. Only time will tell, he thought. For now, he was going to live in the moment.

Edward was startled awake when Mr. Crewe opened the car door. "We're here, Mr. Trent. It's stopped raining but you best get yourself and Miss Sybil inside before the rain starts up again."

"Thank you, Mr. Crewe," Edward said and glanced at Sybil. She was leaning against him and was fast asleep.

"Sybil?" He asked and leaned forward to get his coat from the car floor. Sybil's head drooped forward as he did so and Edward quickly held her head back up with a light laugh. "Sybil, we're here." He lightly shook her and saw her eyes slowly open.

"We're home?" Sybil asked as she stretched her arms.

"We are," Edward smiled and got out of the car. "It's quite chilly and the ground is wet so hold onto my arm so you don't slip."

Sybil nodded and stepped out of the car. She held onto his arm and shivered. Edward placed her wrap around her shoulders and went over to the door to the door. The door was left unlocked for them so they both showed themselves in and were relieved to be out of the cold night. Since it was almost midnight, Downton Abbey was dimly lit and the entire household seemed to be asleep. The two walked over to the staircase quietly and Sybil stopped to face Edward. "Thank you for going with me to the dance. I had such a wonderful time," she said to him.

"Thank you for inviting me," Edward said and took a small step towards Sybil. "It was definitely a memorable night."

"It was. I won't ever forget it," Sybil said. The two took one more step toward one another without thinking. They both knew what would be the perfect ending to this evening and Edward was the first to act upon it. He began to lean in toward Sybil and she shyly did the same. Sybil felt her heart drumming in her chest as she closed her eyes and tilted her head. Their lips met and Edward and Sybil shared a gentle kiss that made them feel like they were the only two in the entire world. Moments passed before they both hesitantly pulled away with flushed cheeks and smiles on their faces. Edward, who suddenly seemed very boyish, ran his hands through his hair. Sybil watched him with great interest but then looked away when she realized she couldn't stop smiling. "We should go upstairs to our rooms," Sybil suggested quietly.

"We should," Edward breathed. He followed Sybil up the staircase and felt as though he were in a dream. They both could not believe that they had kissed one another only moments before. They had grown up together and now, things had changed. What were they now? They both silently pondered the answer to that.

Once the two reached the top of the staircase, they had to go their separate ways. Sybil was sure that someone was watching; either Marigold, Aunt Mary, or George. Sybil knew her father was already asleep and that he trusted her enough to not have to wait for her to return.

"Goodnight, Edward," Sybil smiled.

"Goodnight, Sybil." Edward quickly leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Sleep well."

"Sleep well," Sybil repeated and began to walk backward, as if in a daze. Edward smiled as he watched her. Once Sybil was near her bedroom door, Edward turned around and began to walk toward his room. Sybil opened her bedroom door and watched him disappear down the hall. She was relieved the two had made it upstairs and to their rooms without getting badgered with questions by someone. Sybil quickly went into her bedroom and shut the door behind her. She sighed happily, tossed off her shoes, and went to her vanity to take off her earrings and bracelet. When she placed her bracelet back in its box, she looked at the picture of her mother and smiled.

"He's so wonderful, Mother," Sybil whispered. "Did you feel this way when you met Papa? I think I am beginning to understand."

Soon, Sybil was ready to sleep. Her feet were very grateful when she was finally laying down, the silk blankets feeling the heaven against her tired legs. She smiled as she sank into her mattress. She could not control the future or even what was to happen tomorrow, but it was moments like this that made her forget all her worries and made her feel like all was right in the world. Even though things may not have been right in the world around her, at least things were perfect in her world momentarily. This evening was to fill her dreams, she was sure, but she welcomed every moment of it and experienced it again and again in her sleep until morning came.