The morning air of September 7th was rather crisp, so much so that George thought it a brilliant idea to go on a brisk morning walk around Downton Abbey to take in the cool fresh air. It had rained all night but the dark clouds had disappeared and but was no ray of sunshine in sight. George, wanting a companion during his walk, knocked rather loudly on Edward's door. Edward was in a deep sleep but was disturbed awake at the sound of George's knocking. "Who is it?" Edward called out in a voice full of sleep.

George was surprised that his friend was still asleep at this hour. He then remembered that Sybil and Edward were not at dinner last night. His uncle, Tom, had said that Sybil and Edward had gone out for an outing together. George wondered why Edward did not mention it to him and now he was even more curious as to what the outing was since no one would tell him even though he asked over and over again. Since it wasn't too early anymore and Edward usually was awake and ready by this time, George decided to play a bit of a joke on him.

"It's Lord Grantham. You must get ready. I need to talk to you," George said trying to imitate his grandfather's voice as best as he could.

Edward's eyes widened at the voice and he was suddenly alert. "Of course, Lord Grantham!" He said shoving his bed covers aside and rushing to getting himself ready. "I'll be right there!"

"How dare you, boy. I do not like to be kept waiting. I am Lord Grantham." George covered his mouth after he spoke in order to suppress his laugh. He heard the fussing from within the room and knew that he had done what he had hoped, so he waited by the door until Edward was ready.

Edward had gotten ready as quickly as he could so that Lord Grantham wouldn't continue to express his impatience with him. He feared that Lord Grantham was angry with him for some reason due to the tone of his voice. Was he to be condemned for not asking him for permission too in attending the dance with Sybil? Did he see him kiss Sybil and was angered? Did he think Edward was preying on his granddaughter? Edward fumbled with the buttons on his coat and checked his appearance in the mirror. When satisfied, he quickly opened his bedroom door and stepped out. George was leaning against the staircase rail with his eyebrow raised.

"Good morning," George said with a nod.

"Good morning," Edward said quickly as he looked about him. "Where is Lord Grantham? He said he needed to speak with me."

"Oh, that was me," George said proudly. "Pretty good, don't you think? Had you fooled."

"You?" Edward asked out loud in shock.

"Indeed, Edward. Now come downstairs for we must talk," George said as he imitated his grandfather again.

Edward glared at George and opened his bedroom door to go back in. "You're a fool."

George laughed. "No, Edward, please don't go back to sleep! Why would you do so anyway? You're always awake at this hour!"

"I am exhausted," Edward said, feeling the ache in his calves from all the dancing last night.

"Edward, just join me for a morning walk," George commanded. "How are you going to fight for England if you allow yourself to become sluggish?"

Edward sighed and looked at George. "Fine. I am tired, though. A short walk only."

"Fine."

The two friends were soon outside and enjoying the morning. Once they had begun walking, Edward realized how much he needed this. If he would have stayed in bed, he would have been lazy all day and he did not want the household to see him in that state. As they walked, Edward kept glancing up at the windows of Downton Abbey. As he was trying to remember which one was Sybil's, he saw a figure at one of the upstairs windows. The curtains had just been opened and he looked just in time to see Sybil had just passed by the window as she brushed her hair. Edward stopped walking and watched her with a smile on his face. The memories of last night came back to him and he wished he could dance with her again at this very moment, forgetting his aches and tiredness.

"When are we going to enlist, Ed?" He heard George asked, oblivious to Edward. Edward quickly looked away from the window and to George.

"I'm not sure."

"Well, we must do it soon," George said. "The Germans are moving quite fast. We must be ready. We still have to go through all that training, remember?"

Edward began to walk again and followed George. "Then we shall enlist soon."

"Next week."

"Next week?" Edward asked.

"Why not next week? They ought to have set up a station in a village near us. We can take a drive out there, volunteer, and then wait for our orders."

Edward hesitated and then nodded. "Next week then." The day of enlisting would approach quickly, Edward knew, and the day that the training would begin would arrive even more quickly.

"So, where did you and Sybbie go last night?" George asked after a few moments of silence. Edward glanced at his friend in genuine wonder as to how he knew that he and Sybil were gone last night. George seemed to read his expression and rolled his eyes in response.

"You were both absent during dinner. I'm not a dimwit; it was obvious you two were out somewhere together."

Of course, Edward thought. He didn't realize that their absence would be so obvious at dinner. But what had they to hide now? "We went out dancing," he said.

"Dancing?" George asked. "Where? Why wasn't I invited?"

"At Jubilee Dance Hall," Edward began. "We didn't invite you because it was just an outing for the two of us, of course. As a matter of fact, she invited me."

George crossed his arms. "So you do like her."

"I do," Edward said without hesitation. "I like her very much."

A smile appeared on George's face. "I knew it! Oh, you're sly, Ed, very sly. My best friend and my cousin fancy each other. I told her that you two have my support. I think you two would be good for one another actually."

"I appreciate that, George," Edward smiled. "I don't know why I thought you would react differently."

George shrugged. "I would have like to have known from you yesterday since no one else would tell me where you were, but, eh, what have I to worry about? I know she is safe with you wherever you go. I'm just protective of my cousins."

"I know, George."

"So," George began, "You danced the entire time?"

"Almost. I won't ever forget it. It was a wonderful night," Edward sighed as the two continued their walk.

"That's fantastic, Ed. I'm sorry for waking you up then," George chuckled nervously.

"All is forgiven, George. Never use that imitation of your grandfather's voice on me again, though."

"Deal."

Sybil was in a cheerful mood when she awoke from her restful sleep. She had breakfast in bed and when she got out of bed, she realized that her feet ached from her shoes and from the dancing, but she didn't care. She happily continued on and dressed as she hummed a song from last night. She then brushed her hair and decided to open the curtains as she did so. It was quite gloomy outside and Sybil hoped that the weather would improve for the Thirsk fair tomorrow.

As she walked by the window to set her hairbrush down, she noticed two figures outside on the grounds. When she went back to her window, she saw Edward and George speaking to one another. She had a feeling that George knew about their evening and that he was questioning Edward to no end. She silently wished Edward luck and watched the two continue on their walk for a moment. Once she was ready for the day, she went downstairs to join those who were also awake in the drawing room. When she entered the room, she was greeted by her aunts, Mary and Edith, and her grandmother, Cora, who were all seated and were conversing with one another. Sybil's grandfather, uncles, and father stood when Sybil entered the room.

"Good morning, everyone," Sybil smiled. "I'm afraid I slept in."

"Oh, that's alright, darling," her father said as he kissed her cheek and brought her to the settee.

"Yes, your father tells us you attended a dance last night with Edward Trent," Uncle Henry said. Donk, who already knew, raised a brow at Sybil in curiosity.

"How was it?" Aunt Mary asked.

Sybil felt herself blush. "It was enchanting."

"Enchanting?" Uncle Bertie repeated, looking at Aunt Edith.

"What a romantic adjective to use," Aunt Edith smiled, glancing at her husband.

"Was it very romantic?" Her grandmother asked.

Mary rolled her eyes. "Mother, don't embarrass her."

"Oh, come now, Mary."

"It was romantic," Sybil said shyly, not sure how much she should disclose to her family. "We danced the entire time. It was great fun. The band played many of my favorite songs and they played them all so well. We also met a couple, I believe they were the Woodhams. Mr. Woodham is a soldier, who has already gone through military training, and Mrs. Woodham is a nurse."

"Oh, how nice. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time, my darling," Cora smiled.

Sybil expressed her thanks and saw her grandfather pick up his newspaper from the table. He flipped through it, shaking his head and sighing out loud.

"What is it, Father?" Aunt Edith asked.

"Germany has begun its attack on Poland in Wizna. The Polish are greatly outnumbered according to this information here. Germany has much more artillery. There will be much destruction, I'm afraid."

"Oh, Father, must you darken the mood?" Aunt Mary asked.

Donk frowned and apologized. He continued to read the newspaper in silence.

"Good morning, everyone," someone greeted as they entered the room. Sybil looked up at the doorway when she heard her cousin George; Edward entered the room after him. Sybil smiled and stood up.

"Good morning," Edward said, smiling at the entire family and to Sybil. "Sybil, good morning."

"Good morning, Edward," Sybil beamed.

"Did you just come from outside?" Her father asked as he shook Edward's hand.

"Yes," George said. "We went for a walk. The weather is refreshing. I wish we could spend the entire day outside."

"Why don't you?" His mother asked.

"Can we? What would we do?"

Donk went to the window and looked out at the grounds of Downton. The grass was a beautiful dark green and the weather did seem perfect enough to spend the day outdoors. "Hm, I think I know what you can do," he said.

"What, Donk?" George asked.

"You can all go horseback riding," Donk smiled.

George grinned. "Horseback riding? Yes, let's do it!"

"That'll be so fun! I haven't ridden a horse in years," Sybil smiled and looked at Edward. "Do you like horseback riding?"

"Oh, I used to horseback ride sometimes during my schooling," Edward said.

"Excellent! Let's all go then!" George said.

"You children go," their grandmother said. "We'll see when you pass by the window."

"None of you want to join them?" Donk asked. "Tom?"

"I'm afraid not," Sybil's father laughed.

"I think at our age it's best we stay off a horse. One accident and we're done for," Uncle Bertie said.

"You speak for yourself, Bertie," Aunt Mary said. "But he's right, I suppose."

"Ah, you're all dull," Donk said. "Come along, children."

Aunt Edith frowned. "Oh, if you see Marigold as you walk out, will you invite her too, please?"

"Of course," Donk said.

Cora stood up and crossed her eyes, eyeing her husband as she did so. "Robert, I hope you are not going to get on a horse."

Donk sheepishly smiled. "I'm not going to, darling. Sit back down and do not worry. I am merely going to accompany the children to the stables."

Cora glared at her husband and then smirked. "If you're lying, you'll be sorry."

Sybil shook her head in amusement and went to her father. "And you're going to stay here too, Papa?"

"I think so, Sybbie. Your grandfather seems to have it under control. Make sure he really doesn't get on a horse, though."

"I promise he won't," Sybil laughed. She left the drawing room and joined her grandfather, George, and Edward. When Sybil saw Marigold walking down the staircase, she immediately called out to her. "Marigold! We're going horseback riding! Would you like to join us?"

Marigold's face lit up with joy. "Horseback riding? Oh, yes!" She ran down the stairs. "I was writing but I'm so glad I came downstairs before you all left! I love horseback riding."

As they walked, Edward joined Sybil's side. Sybil glanced up at him with a smile. "Did you sleep well?" She asked when Marigold began speaking loudly to George and Donk as they walked in front of them.

"I was sleeping very well until George woke me up."

"He woke you up? Is that why I saw you two walking outside this morning?"

"You saw us?" Edward asked.

Sybil nodded. "I did, from my window."

"I saw you too," Edward smiled. "But you were looking away. I didn't think you saw me."

"Well, I saw you when you were looking away," Sybil said with her head held high. She began to walk quickly toward the stables.

Edward chuckled and followed closely behind her. "How funny, Sybil." He sighed. "I enjoyed our outing very much."

"As did I," Sybil blushed. "I dreamt about it too."

"So did I," Edward said, walking next to her now. Sybil stopped walking and looked up at him. The two felt a tugging feeling in their hearts and looked into one another eyes. Slowly and without thinking, Edward began to lean forward to Sybil while she began to take a few steps closer to him. Before she could take the last needed step to perfect the moment, a scream filled the air. Edward and Sybil immediately looked toward the direction of the scream and saw Marigold running quickly away as George chased her. Donk was walking behind.

"Don't fall!" He called after his grandchildren.

"Donk, what happened?" Sybil asked.

"They both want to ride the horse named Chestnut, so Marigold challenged George to a race to see who gets the horse," Donk said, sounding very amused.

"Oh," Sybil said, laughing nervously. "Her scream startled me."

"Me too," Edward said and continued walking with Sybil, wishing the moment hadn't been ruined.

When they arrived at the stables, Marigold was proudly standing next to a horse, which Sybil assumed was Chestnut, due to its chestnut color and Marigold's little cheer of victory. While Donk spoke to the stable master, Sybil wandered over to a beautiful white horse. She pat the horse's nose and patted its back. "I think I'll ride this one."

"Don't forget a helmet, Sybbie," Marigold said as the stable master gave them all riding helmets and reigned the horses.

Sybil put her helmet on and went to her horse. After a poor attempt to lift herself onto the saddle, she turned to George for help, but he and Donk were helping Marigold onto her horse and teaching her how to control it. Edward, who was standing next to a majestic black horse, caught her eye and he wandered over to her. "Do you need help, Sybil?"

"Oh, yes, please," Sybil said, grateful for his help.

Edward gave her a gentle smile and put his arm around her waist. "I'm going to push you up onto the saddle so hold on."Sybil nodded and placed one hand on his arm and the other on top of the saddle. She blushed at their closeness but knew she had to remain focused or she would end up falling off her horse as soon as she got onto it.

"Ready?" Edward asked. "One... Two... Three!"

Sybil felt herself be lightly tossed forward and soon, she was seated upon the saddle and was secure. "Oh, that was easy! Thank you, Edward."

"Wasn't it?" Edward smiled. "You're welcome. Hold onto the reins tightly." He patted her horse's neck and then mounted upon his horse with ease. Sybil gave her horse a tiny nudge with her heel and her horse slowly walked out of the stable and stood next to George's horse.

"Children, you must all be very careful," Donk said to them. "If anyone's horse goes out of control or starts becoming irritable, get off as quickly and as safely as you can. And you two," Donk said turning to George and Edward. "Make sure you are protecting the girls."

"Yes, Donk," George saluted.

"Of course, Lord Grantham," Edward said. "When shall we return?"

"Whenever you all get tired. I wouldn't suggest being out for too long. The horses will need food and water eventually," Donk said. "Return here when you're finished and the stable master will help you with the horses."

The four said their goodbyes to Donk and left the stable with their horses. Sybil gently guided her horse's pace and direction while she rode side by side with Edward. When Downton Abbey became distant behind him, George decided to ride his horse to a full gallop and eventually a sprint.

"George!" Marigold called out as she watched her cousin ride past her at great speed.

"Let's race!" George shouted. He cheered wildly from the speed of the horse and the adrenaline it gave to him. "Come on!" He shouted to the three watching him.

"This might be dangerous," Edward warned, turning toward Marigold and Sybil.

"But then again, it might not be," Marigold began slowly. "Well, this may be unlike me, but I'm going to race him!"Her horse suddenly galloped away at with high speed. "I'm going to catch up, George!" She shouted. Sybil laughed and then looked at Edward with a smirk.

"Well?" she asked as she gripped her reins tighter. "I don't enjoy being left out of a game, do you?"

"Not usually," Edward grinned.

"Then let's join them. Ready?"

"I hope I do not regret this."

"Go!" Sybil shouted and nudged her horse to a great speed. The world around her was flying past her so quickly that all she saw were colors. The grass became a flowing stream of green, and her cousins racing in the distance became two colorful dots. She had never gone this fast on a horse before and it made her feel like she could conquer anything. She hastily looked over her shoulder to find Edward and saw that he was catching up to her on his horse. She laughed and then faced forward once again and a sudden low hum began to fill the air. She thought nothing of it until ahead of her, she noticed that Marigold and George had stopped racing one another and were seated atop their horses staring at the sky behind Sybil. Sybil swiftly pulled her horse to a halt, turned the animal and herself around, and saw what was creating the low hum. Edward stopped his horse immediately when he saw Sybil stop hers. He followed her gaze behind him and looked up. Above them was an airplane flying at an altitude that was not too high but was not too low. The four watched in awe as the plane flew directly above them, casting a large shadow. The horses became frightened from the noise and closeness of the plane but their riders remained silent and kept their eyes on the plane above them. The plane soon flew past and they continued to watch until it disappeared in the horizon.

"I hope that was one of our planes," George said out loud after the attention-grabbing moment.

"I believe it was," Edward responded. "It was flying rather low, wasn't it?"

"Quite low," Marigold said as she inched her horse closer to George's horse. "Why did it fly out here?"

"There's more area to land a plane in the countryside and practice with one, I suppose," Sybil said to her.

"I want to fly one!" George said.

"George," scolded Marigold. "You don't know how to fly a plane. Besides, it's dangerous!"

"They'll train me! And how on earth is it dangerous, Marigold? If it were dangerous, they wouldn't use them."

Marigold frowned. "It doesn't seem very safe to be dependent on an object floating in the sky."

"It has an engine and propellers, Marigold," George sneered with a laughed. "You feel safer being on an object floating in the ocean? It's as safe as a ship. There are no icebergs floating in the air so I would say it's safer."

"George, how dare you poke fun at a devastating tragedy."

"What? I wasn't!"

"Alright you two," Sybil chuckled. "I wonder if anyone in Downton heard the plane."

"I don't think so," George began, "I think it was loud enough that only we could hear it."

Edward nodded in agreement. "With the advanced machinery we have now, they are making the engines quieter and quieter. If they're going to be used for war, I'm sure they don't want their targets to hear them approaching. The cities are much louder than it is out here in the countryside so it would be to anyone's advantage."

Sybil furrowed her brows. "That's a discomforting thought," she said quietly.

The four continued on with their horseback riding but they no longer challenged one another to a race. A heavy energy became present around them and they were all suddenly wrapped up in their own mind and thoughts. Edward cleared his throat to put a break in the silence but to no avail. They all soon decided to dismount and sit in the grass and take in the scenery. Marigold and George decided to walk around together while Edward and Sybil sat under a tree with the horses. Sybil watched her cousins walk side by side and talk quietly together.

"I should be hearing from my aunt, Isobel, soon about the nurse training," Sybil sighed as she leaned her back against the trunk of the tree. She did not wish to bring up the subject but she'd rather speak about it now then tomorrow at the Thirsk Fair or anytime later.

"Will you go as soon as you receive the information?" Edward asked.

Sybil lightly shrugged her shoulders. "I'll go when they tell me. I suppose I won't be going back to Boston for a while. And you? When do you plan on enlisting?"

"Your cousin wants us to enlist next week."

"Next week?" Sybil asked. Time was passing by too quickly, she thought. The days the entire family would be together were numbered, she felt, and the thought of it made her uneasy. "I suppose that is a good time to go," she said sadly.

"It's rather rushed but that's how things are in war. I have to find time to go home and spend time with my mother before I leave for training."

"Will your mother be upset?" Sybil asked.

Edward thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yes, she will be. As I've told you, my father was killed during the Great War. I don't think my mother would want her only child to be sent off to war and possibly have the same fate as his father. Though, I think she already knows that I'll be enlisting."

"But you won't have the same fate as your father," Sybil said and quickly took Edward's hands. "You won't. You can't."

"Sybil, I can't control fate." Edward gave her a sad smile and kissed her hand. "But I will do my best."

"Yes, you will. You and George both will do your best and succeed."

"Sybil! Edward!" George called out. "We should go. It's getting gloomier."

Edward helped Sybil stand and accompanied her to her horse. "You will do your best too, Sybil?" He asked as he helped Sybil onto her horse.

"Of course, I will," Sybil told him with confidence. Satisfied with her answer, Edward mounted his horse and the four rode back toward Downton Abbey and to the stables. When they all dismounted and left the stable master with their horses, it began to lightly rain but the four made it back inside Downton Abbey before they could become drenched.

"How was it?" Their grandfather asked as they entered the room.

"It was quite enjoyable, as well as interesting," Marigold said. "An airplane flew over us!"

"An airplane?" Aunt Mary asked. "What on earth is an airplane doing here?"

"It was an airplane used for the war, I'm sure," Edward said to her. "No need to fear. They were just practicing."

"We think," Marigold muttered.

"Well, anyway, it was fun," George said as he sat down next to his mother. "And we made it back just before it began to rain."

"Yes, we were worried about that," Sybil heard her father say.

"Well, now I'm going to go back to my room to rest and write. Sybbie, would you like to join me?" Marigold asked.

"I'll join you. I shall see you all at dinner," Sybil said and smiled at Edward before she left the room. As soon as they entered Marigold's bedroom, Marigold went straight to her typewriter and Sybil went straight for Marigold's bed. She sat down and made herself comfortable. She enjoyed being in her cousin's room. Marigold's room was a combination of a young girl's room and a young woman's room. The room was very pink and light with many little porcelain figures of woodland creatures placed delicately around. She also had a record player and a grand bookshelf filled with volumes of literature. It was Marigold's paradise. Her bedroom in Northumberland must have looked the same, Sybil thought, but she, herself, had never seen it.

When Marigold began typing away and ignoring all around her, Sybil slid off of her bed and walked over to Marigold's bookshelf. She passed her fingers lightly among the timeworn spines of the books by Jane Austen, the Brontes, The Grimm Brothers, and more.

"Did Edward kiss you?" Marigold asked as she typed. The question had caught Sybil by surprise and she turned to her cousin shyly.

"Marigold," she scolded, "don't you think that question is a bit inappropriate?"

"No," Marigold said not turning away from her words as she typed. "This isn't 1910."

Sybil tittered. "Well then! If you must know, we did share a kiss before we parted ways last night."

Marigold suddenly stopped typing and looked at her cousin with great interest. "How romantic! You are so lucky," her cousin sighed and suddenly grew serious. "Oh, Sybbie, I envy you sometimes."

"Envy me?" Sybil asked her. "Why on earth would you envy me, Marigold?"

Marigold became quiet and went back to her typing. Sybil had never heard her cousin say this to her before and the idea of Marigold being envious of her saddened her. "Marigold, please talk to me," Sybil said, putting her hand on her cousin's shoulder. Marigold sighed and turned herself around in her chair to face her cousin.

"I envy you because your life seems so exciting. You're so beautiful and you have such confidence in yourself too."

Sybil frowned and sat on Marigold's bed. "Marigold, your life is just as exciting."

"No, it isn't. I have no friends in Northumberland or even here that are my age. All I have are you and George."

"What about that boy you told me about? Lewis, I believe his name was."

"I'm too shy to talk to him sometimes," Marigold sniffled.

"Shy? Oh, Marigold," Sybil sighed. "You have nothing to be envious about. You have a wonderful life here in Downton and in Northumberland. You have family that loves you dearly and you have an exceptional talent for writing. You are also very beautiful, Marigold. You have big beautiful eyes and lovely light brown curls, like a Hollywood starlet."

"Well," Marigold said, looking at herself in the mirror. "Are you certain?"

"Yes. Please don't feel envious, Marigold. I am not even too confident in myself most of the time." Sybil left her cousin's bed and walked over to her. "You're lovely just the way you are." She kissed Marigold's hand and gave her a reassuring smile. Marigold suddenly burst into tears and threw her arms around her cousin. Sybil stood stiffly against her cousin afraid that she upset her.

"Sybil, I don't want you to leave," Marigold sobbed against her. Sybil relaxed and hugged her cousin.

"It's not forever, Marigold."

"What if something were to happen to you and George? Then it would be forever! I don't want to hear the news that my cousins-"

"Marigold! Please, do not speak in that way," Sybil said, trying to soothe her cousin.

"I'm sorry," Marigold cried. "I'll just miss you and worry about you."

"I'll miss you too, Marigold. But I am not gone yet, you don't have to worry."

Marigold wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and let out one last sob. "I love you, Sybbie."

"I love you too, Marigold. I'll always be there for you even if I'm not physically here It'll be like I'm back home in America."

"I suppose," Marigold sighed and pulled away. She smiled sadly and sat back down in her chair. "Sorry, it's all just overwhelming."

"I understand. Cheer up, Marigold," Sybil told her with a smile. "Tell me what you've written so far." It also made Marigold happy when someone was interested in her work and Sybil could see the spark return in her eye.

"Do you really want to hear what I wrote yesterday for my story?" Marigold sniffled.

"Yes, I'd love to," Sybil smiled and returned to Marigold's bed. She listened to her cousin read her work but her mind became occupied with other thoughts. She was to leave soon, she knew, and she was determined to make the time she had left with her family and Edward count.

"We shall need to take two cars tomorrow," Donk said during dinner.

"I'll drive one," Sybil's father offered. "Mr. Crewe will take one car and I'll take the other."

"Perfect. I'll ride in the car with Mr. Crewe. Cora, you shall join me," Donk said.

"Wonderful," Cora smiled. "Mary, Henry, Bertie, and Edith should join us too."

"I don't mind that," Mary said and looked at her husband.

Henry winked at his wife. "That's one full car then. The children shall go with Tom."

Sybil's father nodded. "Then that is all settled. We should leave early too so that we can be there all day."

"Right, Tom," Donk said.

"Oh, this is so exciting," Marigold cheered. Her mood had lightened since her talk with Sybil and she was back to her cheerful self again. Sybil smiled at her and then looked at Edward, who was seated across from her.

"It shall be a very fun day," Edward smiled.

"It will be," Sybil agreed and continued to eat her dinner. He father leaned a bit closer to her. "I heard from Isobel today," he whispered to her.

"Did you?" Sybil asked in a whisper. "What did she say?"

"I'll discuss it with you after dinner."

"Alright."

The rest of dinner was quite quaint and everyone was in a fine mood. Sybil, who was now distracted by what her father said, silently waited for dinner to end so that she would not drive herself insane wondering what Aunt Isobel told her father. She followed her father to the library after dinner and sat across from him. He appeared to be a bit hesitant in what he was going to say to her, but he did not want to make his daughter nervous. He spoke with confidence to her. "Sybbie, Mrs. Crawley has found you a training hospital."

Sybil's heart seemed to leap from her chest. Now her future career as a nurse had begun and there was no going back after this. "She has?"

"Yes. The hospital is in London. It's the one she mentioned to us."

Sybil felt a bit relieved. Though she had been hoping for a hospital close to Downton, she knew the one in London had a very good reputation. She did not want to be too far from her family but London was only a short train ride away. "I am relieved, Papa. I know she mentioned London the day we spoke to her but I was worried that I might be needed somewhere else farther away."

"Well, let's hope once you complete your training at the London hospital that you can either remain there or be closer."

"Yes, I do hope so," Sybil said. "When do I leave?"

"I'm not sure yet," her father sighed. "Isobel wants to speak with you sometime soon. I told her that tomorrow we would all be gone to Thirsk, so she said that she can speak with you on Saturday in her home."

"That should be fine," Sybil said. "Will you go with me, Papa?"

"You know I will, my darling," her father smiled and then stood from his seat.

"Papa?" Sybil asked as she stood. "Will you remain here or will you try to go back to Massachusetts?"

"I will most likely be staying here," her father answered. "I would very much like to return home eventually. We came here only expecting to remain until October. We can't go back right now. Traveling is far too dangerous now, I'm sure. They probably will not let people travel overseas."

"Papa, but your shop."

"We've traveled before, Sybbie. My shop is in good hands and once we return, all will be fine. Besides, if I were to return to America, I'd be leaving you behind here and I wouldn't know what would be happening."

"You're right. Will we ever return home?" Sybil asked sadly.

"We will and you continue to be a nurse there," her father said and hugged her. "I know we will. I'm just not certain as to when. I'll have to contact Mae's father to watch over our home and my employees to take care of the shop. We'll be alright, though. Once this war is over and done with, we shall return home."

"I hope it isn't too long of a wait," Sybil said.

That night, as Sybil was getting ready for bed, she heard a faint knock at her door. She was already dressed in her nightgown and would appear highly indecent for whoever was knocking at her door. She had said goodnight to everyone downstairs an hour ago while they were all in the drawing room. She grabbed her robe from her wardrobe and quickly slipped it on. With slight hesitation, she opened her door and was face to face with Edward.

"Edward!" Sybil whispered loudly. "What on earth are you doing here at this hour?" She asked, blushing at the state she was in. "If anyone were to see us, they would think this all quite indecent and inappropriate."

"I'm sorry," Edward said boyishly and clearly blushing, as well. "This is, well, stupid really, but I just forgot to give you something I picked up during our afternoon horseback ride."

"Oh? I'm sure it's not stupid." Sybil said quietly as she watched Edward reach into his pocket.

"Well, not important enough to bother you at this hour," he sighed. He then bestowed upon her a beautiful and delicate white daisy. Sybil, happily surprised, smiled at him and gingerly took the flower.

"Edward, it's beautiful. Thank you!"

"You're welcome," he smiled. "My mother said that my father used to give her daisies all the time. She would press them into books."

"How sweet," Sybil said.

"You may do what you like with it. Keep it in a small vase or perhaps press it? It's already a bit pressed from being in my pocket all day long anyway," Edward chuckled.

"I think I shall try pressing it even more by placing it in a book then," Sybil said to him. "Thank you, Edward."

"You're welcome, Sybil and I'm sorry again for knocking at this hour," he said and gently took her hand. "Sleep well." He then kissed her hand and left her in her doorway. Sybil smiled to herself and closed the door quietly. She gazed downward at the daisy in her hand. It was a simple yet romantic gesture and she would greatly cherish it. She had no book that she wanted to place the flower in as of yet, but she felt that soon she would have a place for it. She lay it next to the picture of her mother on her vanity and then she returned to bed, eager for the next day.

"I am beyond excited!" Marigold squealed the next morning as she and Sybil stepped outside to join the family.

"Good morning, my pretty girls!" Donk greeted.

Marigold waved. "Good morning, Donk!" Sybil greeted him as well and then went to the second car, where her father was standing.

"Good morning, Papa!" Sybil greeted.

"Good morning, darling! You're coming with me, yes?" Her father asked.

"I am," Sybil said. Marigold joined her side and soon Edward and George walked out of Downton Abbey and over to them. Sybil's smile widened when she saw Edward, for he looked absolutely handsome. He was wearing a navy sweater vest with a white blouse underneath, as well as dark trousers and a newsboy hat.

"Hello!" George greeted as he walked over with Edward.

Edward went to Sybil's side and greeted her. "Sybil, you look so beautiful," he said quietly to her. Sybil beamed at his compliment. She herself was wearing a pale blue floral sundress, t-strap heels, and a sunhat. She noted that she and Edward's outfits seemed to somewhat match but not on purpose.

"We should be going now! Thirsk is quite a drive," Donk said as his daughters and their husbands got into their car.

"Alright. Which one of you shall sit in the front with me?" Sybil's father asked.

"I'll sit with you, Uncle Tom," George said and got into the car.

"Fine, George. Edward, Sybil, and Marigold shall sit in the back," Sybil's father said as he opened the car door for them. Marigold stepped into the car first, followed by Sybil and lastly Edward. When everyone was situated in their seats in both cars, Mr. Crewe began to drive away. Sybil's father followed him and they were all off to the Thirsk County Fair.

"What are you all most excited about?"

"The Ferris wheel," Edward and Sybil said in unison. They both smiled at one another. "The Ferris wheel," Sybil repeated. She heard her father chuckling from the driver's seat.

"Well, I'm most excited about the carousel," Marigold said.

"Oh, come now, Marigold, the carousel is for babies," George laughed.

Marigold glared at him. "It is not."

"Anyone can ride the carousel, George," Sybil's father said.

"See!" Marigold said and stuck her tongue out at George, who had turned around in his seat to look at her.

"Fine, fine," George smirked. "I'm excited about the rope war! I'm going to participate this year. Are you Uncle Tom?"

"I might."

"Oh, no, Papa, you'll hurt your hands," Sybil said.

"It's not too bad, Sybbie," her father said. "Will you participate in the rope war, Edward?"

"It sounds like fun! Yes, I'll do it," Edward smiled.

Being in the car with her father, Edward, and cousins, caused the conversations to be non-stop. The drive was pleasant as well as enjoyable for all of them. Before they all knew it, they were pulling into the parking area of the fair and one could sense the excitement in the air. Sybil smiled as the Ferris wheel came into view. Her father parked the car and Edward immediately opened the car door. He stepped out and turned back to Sybil. "The weather is perfect!" He smiled and held his hand out Sybil. She took his hand and stepped out the car eagerly. The weather truly was perfect. It was somewhat cloudy, but there was more sunshine today than there had been all week. The air was filled with the smell of popcorn and the festive melody of the music from the carousel. Sybil even heard a lively band trumpeting away.

"Well, here we are," Aunt Mary said as she joined them. "Quite loud, isn't it?"

"I love it!" Marigold smiled and ran over to her mother and father. "Mummy, Papa, this is going to be such a wonderful day!"

"Are we all going to stick together?" Cora asked.

"I didn't think we were," George said. "Why not Marigold, Sybbie, Edward, and I go on our own? We'll meet with all of you later."

"I don't see the problem with that," Sybil's father said. "As long as it's fine with everyone else."

"That's perfectly fine," Donk smiled. "We'll see you all throughout the day. I hope you all have fun! Please do not get into trouble."

George grinned. "Don't worry, Donk."

"Sybil, have fun," her father said as she hugged her. "I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, Papa!" Sybil said to him. The adults soon walked away together and left Sybil, her cousins, and Edward alone.

"Where to first?" George asked with his eyebrow raised.

"I don't know! Let's just walk and see!" Marigold said and she merrily walked into the fair with George. Edward extended his arm to Sybil and she gladly slid her hand over his arm and walked with him.

"The first rope war will take place at precisely one o'clock!" Sybil heard a man announce.

"We're doing that, George!" Edward called out.

"Yes, we are!"

The atmosphere was enough to make anyone feel like a child again. Not only was the smell of popcorn and sweets enough to make Sybil hungry, but the sights and sounds around her caused a giddiness within her. The carousel in the distance was a brilliant white and gold, which shimmered against the faint sunlight. It beheld many images of popular fairy tales, as well, which were painted with quite a lot of detail. The different shades of horses went around and around as laughing children and couples held on tightly. The cheery lullaby-like music, which could be heard from far away, accompanied the roundabout. They passed through families with their children, who were bouncing up and down and throwing popcorn at one another. Couples, old and young, were present too. Local farmers set up tents to sell their livestock and crops of the season. The fruit they were selling looked absolutely ripe and delicious. Sybil knew she was definitely going to have to buy herself a box of blueberries before the day ended.

The main attraction of the fair that caught Sybil's eye in an instant was the Ferris wheel. It stood at a grand height and was painted a bright yellow. The seats on the wheel were painted a light blue and eye-catching red. Children screamed and waved at their parents, who were watching from below when the Ferris wheel stopped at the top for them.

"Look at the animals!" Marigold said and ran over to a pen where there were goats and piglets. Sybil and Edward followed while George expressed he did not want to go see animals, so he left to see if he could find a shooting gallery or something he found entertaining.

"Look at the piglets. They're so adorable!" Marigold smiled.

"They are," Sybil laughed as she gazed upon a tiny pale pink piglet with black spots.

"They're quite funny looking too," Edward chuckled and reached over the pen to pet them. "And quite soft."

Sybil giggled and suddenly felt Marigold tugging at her arm. "Sybbie!" She whispered harshly.

"What is it, Marigold?" Sybil asked, alarmed.

"It's Lewis! The one that I told you I had a little crush on," Marigold said quietly through gritted teeth.

"Oh!" Sybil smiled and peered over her cousin's shoulder. On the other side of the pen stood a boy, who seemed to be Marigold's age. He had quite a handsome boyish face, as well as red hair with light freckles. He was quite tall and lean, as well, Sybil noticed. "Marigold, you should go greet him. You're friends, aren't you?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"Miss Marigold?" The boy was suddenly walking over to Marigold, who had turned red like a tomato at the sight of him.

"Lewis!" She called out, trying her best to sound surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"These are my family's goats!" The boy laughed. "It's wonderful to see you again. Are you back in Downton? Are you having a good time?"

"Yes, I'm back. It's wonderful to see you too," Marigold smiled. "And yes, but we've only just arrived."

"Ah, I've been here since the early hours of the morning," Lewis said. "Say, would you like to spend some time together? I think I can sneak away for a while."

Marigold looked at Sybil for permission and of course, Sybil allowed her to. "I'd love to, Lewis," Marigold said cheerfully.

"If you need anything, find me or George," Sybil said and walked away with Edward, confident that Marigold would have a nice time with Lewis.

"Does she fancy him?" Edward asked.

"Obviously," Sybil laughed and glanced over her shoulder at her cousin. Lewis had taken a baby piglet from the pen and held it out to Marigold, who was petting it and squealing from its size and appearance.

"Well, we're alone," Edward said to her. "George has wandered off to who knows where. What would you like to do?"

"Hm," Sybil looked around and her attention was grabbed by the carousel. "I think I should like to ride the carousel."

Edward laughed. "Alright! Which horse should you like?" He asked as he and Sybil walked quickly, arm in arm, to the carousel.

"Any!" Sybil smiled and went to the carousel platform. "This one," she said as she patted the horse painted a light brown. "I think I shall ride sidesaddle."

"Then let me help with that," Edward smiled and picked her up by her waist to set her on the horse.

"Thank you," Sybil blushed as she was set onto the horse. Edward nodded at her and sat on the porcelain-white horse beside her.

"I think you and I should ride the Ferris wheel when the sun is setting. We'll have a beautiful view during that time," Edward said as he leaned over to her. "If that's alright with you, of course."

"That sounds perfect, Edward," Sybil blushed and slowly leaned forward toward him. She was startled back in place when the music began and the carousel began to move. Edward laughed out loud.

"Did that scare you?"

"No," Sybil lied and looked away from him to conceal her smile. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that Edward was watching her. She stared back at him and blushed at how handsome he was. What did she do to have won the affections of him? She wondered to herself.

Ahead of her, a little girl sat upon a horse unaccompanied and waved at her father every time she passed him. "Papa! Papa, look at me!"

"You look wonderful, my angel!"

Sybil smiled at the two. The little girl and her father reminded her so much of her and her father when she was here at the county fair as a little girl. She would go on the carousel many times while they spent the day here. Sometimes her father would ride beside her and hold on to her and other times he would watch her and wave at her while she passed by. Those were very happy and carefree days, Sybil thought to herself, unaware that she had sighed out loud at the thought.

"Sybil, are you alright?" Edward asked. Sybil immediately looked at him.

"Oh, yes, Edward. I'm sorry, I was just remembering being on the carousel as a little girl with my father."

"That's a nice memory to have," Edward said and then looked out at the crowd gathered around the carousel. "Look, there's your father now!" He laughed.

Sybil's father had been passing by the carousel with her grandparents and aunts. When she caught his eye, he waved at her. "Hello, my beautiful darling!"

"Hello, Papa!" Sybil waved, unembarrassed of who saw her. Her father grinned at her and then continued walking with the family. Sybil watched them for a while and then turned back to Edward. "What would you like to do after this?" She asked.

"Anything you want to do."

When the carousel ride came to an end, the blueberries that Sybil saw being sold earlier were calling to her and she was adamant about buying a box of them. Edward agreed to visit the tables of produce with her and walked with her once again arm in arm. The tables were full of boxes filled with delicious fruits and vegetables that were in season such as blackberries, blueberries, plums, apples, carrots, squash and so much more.

"I'll get myself a little box of these delicious blueberries," Sybil said as she picked up a box.

"I will buy them for you, Sybil," Edward said, picking up a green apple. Before Sybil could say anything, he had paid the farmer for both the blueberries and the apple.

"Edward, you didn't have to," Sybil blushed.

"I wanted to," Edward smiled and walked away with her to a small bench to sit. Sybil, grateful for the gesture, sat close to him and opened her box of blueberries.

"Delicious!" Sybil said after she ate the first blueberry. "They're so juicy and sweet. Edward, you must try one! Open your mouth."

Edward laughed and opened his mouth for her. Sybil quickly popped a blueberry into his mouth and then popped one into her own mouth.

"Mm, you're right," Edward said as he quickly took another blueberry from Sybil's box. "Alright, no more," he grinned. "I have to eat this apple."

"They're too delicious to resist," Sybil giggled.

The two sat on the bench for quite a while as they ate their delicious fruit. Once they were finished, they walked around the fair and participated in more of the festivities. Sybil and Edward challenged one another at a game of ring toss and Sybil had won the game by tossing three rings successfully onto the stakes in the ground, while Edward only got two. The fair even had a high striker, something that was new to Sybil. By the time Edward and Sybil had walked over to it, George was already there trying it out. The point of the game was to swing the mallet as hard as you can to ring the bell at the top of it. George went first, confident he would win. He swung his hardest and unsuccessfully rang the bell. Being the stubborn young man he was, he tried once more and then once more after that until Edward volunteered to go next. Edward gave his all and swung the mallet but the bell was not reached by either of them. George walked away from the high striker with Edward and Sybil and complained to them that the high striker had to be set up so that no one could win. Sybil laughed at her cousin's seriousness toward the game and invited him to spend time with her and Edward before the rope war.

When it was almost time for the rope war to begin, a man announced to everyone that those who wanted to participate in the rope war were to go to the field to sign up for the first war. It was not recommended that women play the game as to not "ruin their delicate hands", as Sybil heard one man say, so the women gathered around to watch the men. Sybil's father, along with George and Edward, signed up for the first game. Sybil's grandmother did not allow Donk to sign up for the game, worrying that he may hurt himself. Donk grumbled quietly as he joined the rows of ladies. Sybil watched as the two teams of men took their places on the opposite sides of the rope. Sybil's father, George, Uncle Henry, Uncle Bertie, and Edward went up to the rope with some other men and she even noticed that Marigold's friend, Lewis, was also placed on their side.

"Whichever team gets the flag past these two marks first wins!" Shouted the announcer.

"This game is quite primitive," Aunt Mary said quietly.

"Shh, Mary," Aunt Edith scolded. "It's fun to watch."

"Ready?" The announcer asked. "Pull!"

Sybil said a silent prayer for her father as the teams of men began to pull their side of the rope. She hoped he wasn't risking injuring himself. He wasn't as young as he once was, but there was much strength left in him, Sybil knew. Still, she couldn't help but worry about him.

"Go, Papa! Go, Uncle Henry! Go, Uncle Tom! Go, George! Go, Lewis!" Marigold shouted as the cheers from the spectators blended into one. "Did I forget anyone?"

"Go, Papa!" Sybil clapped. "Go, Edward!"

"Pull harder!" Donk shouted at the men from his seat. Cora lightly hit his arm with a smile. To their satisfaction, the team with their family was winning. The flag inched closer and closer toward their side until the opposite team gained a surge of strength and pulled the flag toward them instead.

"Damn!" Donk shouted. "Come on, men!"

Sybil and Marigold laughed at their grandfather as he shouted. Marigold even held onto his arm to calm him down. "Donk, you're so funny!"

"They would be winning if I were on the team!"

"Robert," Cora scolded. "You would never even play this game!"

The game went on for another minute or so and all were certain that the other team would win, that is until the very last seconds when the team Sybil's family was cheering for reeled over the flag and won the game. Sybil's family cheered and clapped for them as they joined them.

"You won!" Marigold shouted and ran over to hug her father.

"Thank goodness, I was beginning to think this would be a total loss," Donk said as he patted Henry on the back.

"Papa, how are your hands?" Sybil asked as she took her father's hands. They were a bit red, but not as red as she imagined they would be.

"They feel fine," her father smiled. "We won!"

"My hands are burning," Edward confessed as he rubbed his hands together.

Sybil smiled and held his hand in hers. "Your poor hands," she teased.

"It wasn't so bad," George said proudly.

Donk was in a celebratory mood afterward so he announced that he was going to buy popcorn for everyone, even Lewis. The family sat at a small table together and happily ate their popcorn as they listened to the band play the festive fair music. Sybil was enjoying herself immensely with her family and with Edward by her side. She felt as though all the troubles of the world had stopped for one day and all she could focus on was how happy she was to be with everyone. The family stayed together for the rest of the afternoon but when the sun began to set, the younger generation decided to go separate ways. Marigold left with Lewis to ride the carousel and George went with determination back to the high striker, and Edward and Sybil left to ride the Ferris wheel.

"Oh, now I'm nervous," Sybil laughed as she held onto Edward's arm. "It's quite high!" She looked up at the Ferris wheel and suddenly felt dizzy from its height.

"It's not as high as you think, Sybil," Edward smiled as they waited to be seated in the Ferris wheel's cart-like seats. Sybil exhaled nervously and soon, an empty seat was available for them. The two sat down and were secured in by a metal bar. Sybil scooted closer to Edward and rested her arm against his. She looked over the seat as the Ferris wheel slowly began to inch forward. Sensing her nervousness, Edward placed his arm around her. Sybil relaxed in his arms and looked out at the fair.

"Edward?"

"Yes, Sybil?"

"Do you know what I like most about this day? I liked that it felt as though there was no war. It feels like all is right in the world, doesn't it?"

"It does," Edward responded with a nod. "Everyone here isn't thinking about the war. They're thinking of spending time with their families and making the most out of this day. I have a feeling that most of the men here with their families will be going off to fight."

"Their poor children and wives," Sybil frowned. Edward realized he shouldn't have mentioned anything since he did not want to upset Sybil so he thought of another topic to change the subject. "What are you planning on doing tomorrow?" He asked. The Ferris wheel had reached the top but it did not stop as he wanted it to. He knew that on the next turn, they would be stopped up there and they could enjoy the view together.

"I'm going to see my aunt, Isobel. She found a training hospital for me," Sybil said.

Well, that was the wrong question to ask, Edward thought to himself. "Where?" He asked, hoping that it wouldn't be far.

"London, I believe."

"Oh, well, that's good," Edward said relieved. "That's close enough. I was worried you would say Germany or Poland. You would be much too far if you went there."

"I may be sent there eventually, I don't know," Sybil said, realizing the truth of what she said. "But I shall be alright."

"Of course, you will."

"And I hope they don't send you far away either, Edward," Sybil said, her eyes meeting his.

Edward frowned. "I have to go where they send me, Sybil, you know that. Perhaps this war will be my chance to travel."

Sybil sighed in response and appeared saddened.

"Let's not speak about it right now. We always end up talking about war," Edward said trying to lift Sybil's spirits.

"I'm sorry. Let's have this day end happily," Sybil said with a small smile.

As they approached the top of the Ferris wheel once more, Sybil suddenly became nervous and peered over the edge of the seat to see below them. They were quite high above the ground and the view made Sybil feel ill at ease. When Edward saw what Sybil was doing, he patted her shoulder lightly and kissed her cheek. "Why are you looking over the edge?" The blushing Sybil looked back at him, her face inches away from his, and shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I'm letting my nervousness get the best of me," she confessed, the Ferris wheel stopping at the top for them as she spoke.

"Just relax and look at the view," Edward said with a smile and looked out toward the horizon. Sybil followed his gaze and felt like she was looking at a magnificent painting in the sky. The setting sun and the rain clouds created a vivid masterpiece before her very eyes. The brilliant hues of orange from the setting sun looked like brush strokes across the sky peeking out from the bursts of gray and purples of the clouds. The sight took away any feelings of uneasiness Sybil had and she marveled at the sky before her.

"It's beautiful," Sybil said. "Isn't it?"

"Very beautiful," Edward said as he glanced at her. The orange light of the sky cast a lovely shade across Sybil's face that made her appear part of the ethereal sky. Edward felt as though he couldn't look away and Sybil noticed. She turned her head away from the sky and to him. She knew what was about to happen and she invited it fully. She shyly began to lean forward toward him as he did the same. Her eyes slowly closed and then she felt Edward kiss her. She smiled and returned the kiss, scooting closer to him and placing her hand on his shoulder. Edward's free hand rested on her waist as the two pulled away briefly and then kissed one another again. The moment felt just as perfect as the first time they shared a kiss.

"Edward?" Sybil asked as she slightly pulled away when she felt the Ferris wheel continue to move forward.

"Yes?" Edward asked as he gazed at Sybil with curious eyes.

Sybil stared at him, suddenly at a loss for words. She wondered as to why she began to ask him something in the first place. She didn't want to seem dumbfounded so she said the first words that came to her mind. "Thank you."

Edward blinked and then laughed. "Thank you? For what?"

"I-I don't know," Sybil said, laughing along with him. "Just thank you."

"You're welcome, then," Edward chuckled and kissed her head. "And thank you."

The two remained huddled together until their turn on the Ferris wheel had come to an end. Edward helped Sybil out of the seat and slowly began to walk away with her. He shyly held his hand out to her and Sybil held it without hesitation. The night sky above them was beginning to overpower the orange hues that were once so radiant when they had begun their Ferris wheel ride. Sybil looked up at it as they walked. "I think perhaps my family may want to return home soon," Sybil said to Edward.

"I think that is likely," Edward said as he glanced around for them. "I'm sure they'll turn up as we continue to walk."

Sybil and Edward walked closely together, which caused them to lightly bump their arms against one another, as they tried to find her family. Many of the people that had been at the fair in the morning and afternoon had left, and most of them were the young families. The young couples and families with older children had remained and the fair festivities were still happening around them.

"I think I see your aunts and uncles," Edward said as he looked ahead at the high striker. Sybil looked in the direction of the high striker and saw entire family.

"They're all there," she said. Her father saw them from afar and smiled at them. He noticed they were holding hands and walking close to one another but he did not feel the need to steal away his daughter from him in order to protect her. He respected Edward and he trusted him. Sybil's father knew that what his daughter and Edward were feeling for one another is what he had felt for Sybil's mother. The feelings and affections Tom Branson and Sybil Crawley shared for one another consumed his world when they were together, and he was happy that his daughter was having her own experiences just like he and her mother did. There was one thought that did worry him, however. Edward was soon going to enlist and go off to join the war. If Sybil were to get too attached to Edward or fall in love and something were to happen to Edward, she would be absolutely heartbroken. Her father knew what it was like to experience the sudden and unexpected loss of someone you loved and he did not wish it upon anyone; he especially did not want Sybil to ever have to experience that. Edward was young and strong but war can destroy anyone. Sybil's father only hoped that whatever happened, Sybil would be happy.

"Hello, Papa!" Sybil greeted. "Why are you all here?"

"Your cousin thinks he can ring the bell on the high striker," her father laughed.

"Again?" Edward asked. "George, give it up!"

"No!" George shouted and swung the mallet. A sudden ding! sounded and George stared at the high striker in shock. "I did it!"

His step-father cheered and patted his back. "Wonderful, son!"

"Thank heaven," his mother said.

"What did you win, George?" Cora asked her grandson.

"The satisfaction of knowing that I hit it hard enough to have the bell sound," George grinned.

"Yes, it only took you one hundred times to do it," Donk muttered with a smirk. "Shall we get to the cars? It's getting quite late."

"I suppose we should," Uncle Bertie said and began to walk. "Edith, have you found Marigold yet?"

"I haven't!" She answered. "I'm hoping she passes by soon."

"I knew it would be trouble if you let her spend time with that farm boy," Aunt Mary sighed.

Aunt Edith crossed her arms. "He's a very sweet boy, Mary. He and Marigold are friends."

"Mama!" Marigold ran over to her mother with a smile on her face. "I'm sorry I didn't come here sooner. Lewis just left. I was helping him and his father put the little piglets in their car."

"Oh, how kind of you, Marigold!"

Now that each family member was present, they all walked back to the cars. Sybil continued to walk with Edward, hand in hand, and she smiled to herself when she heard Donk quietly asking her grandmother and aunts something along the lines of "why the devil am I never made aware of these things?" to which her grandmother responded: "Oh, Robert, you knew!"

Mr. Crewe, who had had an exciting day at the fair eating a hearty helping of popcorn and enjoying the festivities, was waiting by the car. Sybil's father opened the door to the other car for them and Marigold got into the car followed by Sybil and Edward. George sat in the front of the car once again and once Sybil's father was in the car, they were off and following behind the car Mr. Crewe was driving. Sybil lightly rested her head against Edward's shoulder as the drive began. Edward smiled down at Sybil and then looked out the window at the fading lights from the fair behind them.

"Did everyone have a fun day?" Sybil's father asked.

"Yes!" Marigold said. "I'm so tired, though."

"I feel the same way as Marigold does," Sybil yawned.

"It was a good day," George said.

Edward agreed. "It was a very good day."

By the time they arrived back at Downton Abbey, everyone was exhausted from the day's activities. The women said their good-nights first before heading upstairs. The children thanked their grandfather for the outing to the fair and they all agreed that the day was a great success.

"Good night, everyone!" Marigold said as she followed her mother and aunt up the stairs. Sybil followed slowly behind.

"Sleep well, Sybbie," Sybil's father said to her.

"Thank you, Papa," she smiled and then looked at Edward. "Good night, Edward."

"Good night, Sybil," Edward said and gave her a handsome smile.

Sybil quickly went to her room and rested against her door as she closed it. Sybil felt foolishly happy and the feeling could not leave her. She went to her vanity to brush out her hair and as she did, she looked at the photograph of her mother.

"Mother, I had the most wonderful time today," she said quietly. "I wish you were here to spend time with us too. I think you would have liked Edward. Papa does."

When Sybil was finished getting ready for bed, she took the daisy that Edward picked for her yesterday and laid it on her nightstand. She smiled as her head hit her cool pillow and it was quite easy for her to drift into a deep sleep filled with happy dreams.

Outside of Sybil's bedroom, Edward was awake and walking to his own room. He was stopped by Sybil's father, however, who wanted to have a word with him. Only slightly nervous, Edward met him in the middle of the hall, away from the bedrooms of the women so their talking would not wake them.

"Yes, Mr. Branson?"

"Edward, I wanted to thank for making Sybil happy," Tom said to him with a genuine smile. "She's been quite sad lately. Life hasn't always been easy for her and I. We both very much needed her mother as she was growing up. We still do."

"Oh, but Mr. Branson, you did a wonderful job raising Sybil, I think. She is a fine young woman with a heart of gold. You have made her truly happy yourself, as well."

Tom smiled. "Thank you, Edward. As she was growing up, I always wondered how I would respond to the man that she would show an interest in. I didn't want her to be with the wrong man or a man that wasn't good for her."

"Oh?" Edward asked, silently hoping that he wasn't the wrong type of man for her.

"Yes. However, I can rest easy knowing that she had taken an interest in a very good man; the right man for her."

Edward smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Branson. That truly means a lot to me."

"I know you have only spent a short amount of time with Sybil, but you do make her happy, and again, thank you. Goodnight, then."

"It is an honor, Mr. Branson," Edward said and shook Sybil's father's hand. "Goodnight." With the smile of a proud father, Tom Branson left down the hall and to his room. Edward felt very content with the words spoken to him and he promised to himself that he would not disappoint Sybil's father. As Edward lay in bed later that night, he thought of all that happened at the fair today and the unforgettable time he had with Sybil. Edward had no idea what fate had in store for him and Sybil but he knew in his heart that he had no intentions of taking her or anything for granted.