"Sybbie? Are you ready?"
"Yes, Papa!" Sybil stood from her vanity and went over to her bedroom door. This would be the morning that she would meet with her aunt, Isobel, to discuss Sybil's training. She was so excited, as well as anxious, about it that she hardly slept during the night. She was exhausted from the festivities at the Thirsk Fair the day before but she knew her exhaustion would be forgotten one she left with her father.
"Good morning, Papa," Sybil greeted as she stepped out of her room.
"Good morning, darling," her father smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "How did you sleep?"
"I didn't," Sybil said sheepishly. "Too much thinking about today kept me awake most of the night."
"Oh, well, that's not good," her father frowned. "You may rest when we return."
"I think I shall."
Arm in arm, father and daughter went downstairs and were expecting to be greeted by their family, but the women were still in bed while Donk, Edward, George, and her uncles, could be heard having their breakfast. "Best not to bother," Sybil's father said quietly to her. "Then you shall get pelted with questions."
Sybil laughed and turned toward Mr. Barrow, who nodded his head at them as he was passing by.
"Oh, Mr. Barrow" Sybil called out to him.
"Yes, Miss Branson?" He replied.
"Please tell my grandfather that my father and I went out. We shall be back later."
"Very good, Miss Branson. I shall tell him as soon as possible."
"Thank you."
Sybil's father chuckled and walked out of Downton with her. "You certainly sounded like an earl's granddaughter."
"Oh!" Sybil giggled. "I do hope I did not sound commanding or rude, did I?"
"No, darling. You're never rude," her father smiled. "I shall drive us. I've already told Mr. Crewe that I would."
Once Sybil and her father were in the car and driving away, Sybil began to feel anxious about their meeting with her aunt again. She took a few deep breaths and looked out of the window of the car. The sun was peeking out behind the clouds but of course, the clouds were not going to give way completely.
"I suppose you had a wonderful time yesterday?" Her father asked.
"I did," Sybil said, turning away from the window. "I really did. I'm so glad Thirsk decided to continue doing the fair this year despite what is happening."
"Well, it was quite sudden. I'm sure it wouldn't have been convenient to cancel the fair after the war was announced. Besides, there's no threat on our soil yet."
"Yet," Sybil said quietly. "What are we doing tomorrow, Papa?"
"I'm not certain. Oh, I was going to ask you if you wanted to go to Mass with me at the church in Ripon. It is the church that I used to take you to when you were young."
Sybil smiled. "I'd like that, Papa."
"Wonderful. We shall leave first thing in the morning."
"Alright," Sybil said. "It's the same church where I was baptized, yes?"
"It is. Your grandfather was quite annoyed that we chose a Catholic church too," her father laughed.
"Donk is so funny," Sybil smiled. "What did you all do to convince him that it would be alright?"
"Well, it's what your mother wanted and he had to respect that."
Sybil looked at her father. "I see." She could tell her father was soon lost in a memory in his mind but then he suddenly stopped the car. "We're here, Sybbie."
Surprised at their prompt arrival, Sybil looked out of her window and saw the cottage hospital. She took one final deep breath before her father opened her door and helped her out. "Let's not be nervous, Sybbie," he said to her and kissed her hand. "Your mother is here with us, I just know it. Everything you felt, she felt. She and I both love you more than anything in this world and whatever decision you make today and whatever happens, know that we both support you."
"Thank you, Papa." Sybil hugged her father tightly and soon they were both in the hospital office of her aunt.
"It's so wonderful to see you two," Isobel said as her guests sat in front of her desk. "Now, are you eager about this, Sybil?"
"A tad bit, yes," Sybil confessed as she scooted her chair closer to Isobel's desk.
"Well, you are going to do so much good, I know it," Isobel smiled. She took out a small journal from her desk drawer and flipped through the pages. "Let's see, I wrote down the information somewhere here- ah! Here we are. Now, I was able to get in touch with a hospital in London that offers training for nurses. The hospital is St. Margaret's Hospital, have you heard of it?"
"I'm afraid we haven't," Sybil's father said.
"That's alright. It has an excellent reputation. I haven't been there myself but I was referred there by another hospital I was in contact with. Now, St. Margaret's hospital is adjacent to a university with a medical school, which I'm sure Sybil will be taking her lessons at."
"That sounds exciting," Sybil said. She had thought about attending medical school before but now that there was a hospital and medical school she could study at, the resources and opportunities for her could be in abundance.
"It does," Isobel said. She flipped over the page in her journal and frowned. "Ah, now there are a few fees that are to be paid to study here. Board and lodging along with your study materials and uniform will have to be paid before arrival or upon your arrival."
"How much will that be?" Sybil's father asked, leaning slightly forward in his seat.
"I was told that twenty to thirty pounds would have to be paid for her uniform and study materials. The exact cost, I'm not sure. We can get more information. Her meals and lodging will be much more costly, I know that."
Sybil looked at her father. She and her father were not as wealthy as the rest of her family at Downton Abbey but she thought they were somewhat well off because of her family's generosity. She hoped the expenses of her training would not ruin her chances.
"That's fine," her father said. "We just need some exact numbers for the cost but there shouldn't be a problem."
Sybil felt a moment of relief but it soon disappeared when she remembered the most important detail was still left to be revealed. "When do I begin training?" She asked.
"The medical school starts classes soon. They said you would need to arrive on Saturday, September 16th."
"That's a week from today," Sybil's father said. Sybil's eyes widened at her aunt's words. A week would pass by her very quickly but the date was set and there was no changing it. She had to be brave now for herself and everyone now. "A week," Sybil repeated to herself.
"Darling?" She heard her father asked. "Are you alright?" He noticed Sybil's face had gone completely pale.
"I'm fine, Papa," Sybil said hoping to convince him with a smile. "I'm perfectly alright. If a week is when I have to go, a week is when I have to go. I'm excited about it all."
"That's good to hear," her father said.
"Indeed," Isobel smiled. "And of course, you may be able to return home for Christmas. Not to America, though, only to Downton. I also think visits are permitted."
"Oh, seeing my family for Christmas would be wonderful! And Papa, you can visit me sometimes!" Sybil smiled.
"I certainly will visit," he smiled back. "I think I shall have to have more of our things sent from home if I am to stay at Downton then."
"Yes, I would recommend that," Isobel said. "Oh, and Sybil will be paid a salary while she is at the hospital. It is a small one but it will be enough to support her while she is there. Now, I think that is all the information that I received. I will have the hospital's address sent to you at Downton Abbey."
"Thank you," Sybil's father said as he stood.
"Yes, thank you," Sybil smiled. "I feel much better now that I know the specifics."
"I'm glad," Isobel said. She then had a wonderful idea and turned toward Sybil's father. "Tom, would you mind if I kept Sybil for the day? I think it would be a treat if I spent some time with her. I have a lot of stories about being a nurse and I can answer any questions that she has regarding her training and whatever else."
"I don't see the problem with that. I think it would be good for her," Sybil's father smiled. "What do you think, Sybil?"
"I'd like that! I think it would be very nice."
"Then it's settled. Sybil shall stay with you."
"Wonderful!" Isobel smiled. "I shall return her to Downton later."
"Alright. I shall see you later then, darling," Sybil's father said and kissed his daughter's cheek. "Edward will be upset that you aren't home," he joked.
Sybil blushed. "George and Marigold can keep him entertained with endless chatter," she laughed. "Goodbye, Papa!"
"Now, we shall have an excellent afternoon together," Isobel said when Sybil's father left. "Oh, I had been meaning to show you something! I remember now…"
Sybil watched as her aunt went out into the hallway. "Where is it?" She asked herself as she walked out of the office. "Oh, I think it's in one of the storage closets but I'll find it. Just wait there. I'll be right back!" Mrs. Crawley said as she left down the hall. Sybil smiled to herself and wandered around the hallway. A few members of the hospital staff went from room to room and nodded at Sybil when they passed by. There were some patients scattered in different hospital beds in one of the rooms that she peeked into, but they were being tended to by hospital staff or had the privacy curtain pulled around their bed.
When she ventured further out into the hall, she heard a terrible cough coming from one of the rooms. It was a child's cough, no doubt, and Sybil was soon curious as to where the child was placed. She glanced into one of the rooms and saw nothing but rows of empty beds except one. One of the beds was occupied by a sniffling little girl, pale from sickness, who was sitting up and trying to tie a red ribbon around a teddy bear. Sybil frowned at the sight but could not remain silent. It saddened her that the little girl had been placed in this large room by herself. "Hello," Sybil said quietly so the little girl would not be startled. The girl looked up from her bear and at Sybil. She smiled and waved at her.
"Hello!" She greeted in a high pitched and raspy voice. She cleared her throat with a pained look on her face and then continued to speak. "Are you one of the nurses?"
"Oh, no, I'm not," Sybil said with a smile and slowly walked over to the little girl's bed. "I am training to be a nurse soon, though. What is your name?"
"My name is Lucy. What is your name?" she said.
"Lucy? What a beautiful name. My name is Sybil," Sybil said as she grabbed a small chair from the corner of the room and brought it to Lucy's bedside. "May I sit here?"
Lucy smiled and nodded. "Yes," she said and looked at her teddy bear. "This is my teddy. Mama and Papa gave him to me on my birthday! I turned six years old!"
"How nice! Happy belated birthday, Lucy," Sybil smiled.
"Thank you," Lucy blushed. "But there is a problem; my teddy's red ribbon fell off and I don't know how to put it back on him. Will you help me, please?"
"Certainly," Sybil smiled and was given the bear. She took the red ribbon and began to place is around the bear to tie a bow.
"Thank you," Lucy said and then began to violently cough. Sybil looked up from the bear and stared at Lucy. She sounded extremely congested and her cough sounded terrible. Sybil stealthily scooted her chair back a bit just in case Lucy was contagious. On Lucy's bedside, there was a small glass of water and Sybil took it and held it out to Lucy.
"Here, Lucy, drink this. It will help you feel better."
Lucy nodded and finished coughing before drinking the water. She sighed when she finished drinking. "Thank you."
Sybil nodded at her and placed the cup of water down. "Do you only have a bad cough?"
"No," Lucy said sadly. "Sometimes I get really cold but warm at the same time. They said I have a lot of fevers. It hurts to breathe sometimes too. It all makes me feel bad."
Sybil sighed sadly. "I'm sorry, Lucy. I hope you will get better soon, though. No need to fear," she said to her. "And why are you alone in here?"
"There were a few other children in here, but they're gone. I think they all got better. They were sicker than me, I think. If they can get better, that means I can get better," Lucy smiled.
Sybil's heart broke for the little girl. The children were no longer in the hospital but she was sure they had left not because they had gotten better, especially if they appeared sicker than Lucy. "Yes", Sybil said. "Yes, you will get better." Sybil returned to tying the bear's bow to distract herself.
"You're very pretty," Lucy said as she watched Sybil make the bear's bow. "I think you look like the princess in a story that my Momma reads to me. It's called Princess & The Pea, I think. It's about a girl who sleeps on a very tall bed and she can't sleep because there's a pea under one of the mattresses! Do you know that one?"
Sybil laughed. "I do! My Papa used to read that one to me when I was a little girl. I think you are the one that's a princess, though. You are very beautiful."
"Thank you," Lucy giggled. "Do you live in Downton too?"
"Yes, right now I live at Downton Abbey."
Lucy's mouth hung open after Sybil answered. "The castle? You are a princess! You live in the castle!"
Before Sybil could respond, Lucy began to sing happily "I met a princess! I met a princess! I met a princess!" Her song was cut short, however, when she began to cough again.
"Careful, Lucy," Sybil said and gave her back her cup of water. "If you say I'm a princess, then I am a princess and so are you," she smiled.
"Yay!" Lucy cheered after she drank her water and her coughing stopped. Then, Sybil noticed Lucy was suddenly looking at someone in the doorway. "Mummy! Daddy!" Sybil turned towards the doorway and saw a couple entering the room. The woman looked very much like an older Lucy and the father was handsome, as well, however, both looked extremely tired. No doubt they have been worrying themselves sick over their precious daughter.
"Hello, Lucy," her mother smiled and walked over to her bedside. Sybil stood from the chair to offer it to her mother.
"And who might this be?" Lucy's father asked, looking at Sybil.
"That's Sybil. She's a princess," Lucy said proudly.
"A princess?" Lucy's mother laughed. "How lovely. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise," Sybil smiled. "I'm here visiting Isobel Grey. She and I are family."
"Oh, she is a very kind lady," Lucy's father said.
"Yes," Sybil smiled. "Oh, and here is your bear, Lucy. He has his bow on now. He looks very distinguished."
Lucy smiled as she took the bear and hugged it. "Thank you."
"Oh, you're in here!" Isobel said as she entered the room. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Crane. The doctor should be right with you. Sybil, I found what I wanted to show you. Come with me."
"Alright," Sybil said. "Well, it was lovely to meet you Lucy and you, as well, Mr. and Mrs. Crane."
"I hope I shall see you again," Lucy smiled.
"I'll be back soon." Sybil smiled softly at her and quietly left the room as Lucy's parents began to talk to her. She met Isobel in the hallway and began to follow her.
"She's a sweet girl, isn't she?" Isobel asked.
"Very much so. She sounds very sick. Her cough sounds horrible," Sybil frowned.
"Yes, we are sure she has pneumonia."
"Pneumonia?" Sybil asked. "That's terrible. She will get better, though, will she?"
"We hope so. She has fevers and chills, though, especially in the night. We are doing all that we can for her here."
"And the other children she mentioned? What happened to them? She's in there all alone."
Isobel sighed. "We've been meaning to move her. There were some children in the room that felt better and their ailments left them, but many were not so lucky. Sickness ravaged their little bodies. Many of them had very severe cases of pneumonia. Lucy's isn't so severe yet."
"I see," Sybil said sadly. "I think I may want to return on Monday for a visit with her if that's alright with you."
"Oh, Sybil, that would be so kind of you. Yes, of course, you may," her aunt said. Sybil was glad to hear her approve. Sybil felt a connection with Lucy after their brief introduction and she wanted to make Lucy's stay at the hospital enjoyable and less lonely.
"Here is what I wanted to show you," Isobel said as she went to her desk in her office. She held out a folded outfit to Sybil. Sybil sat down and unfolded the clothing. There was a pale blue plain dress, a white apron, and an armband with a red cross stitched onto it. Sybil knew in an instant to whom they belonged.
"Were these my mother's?" She asked.
"They were. She had returned them to me once she married your father. I don't think you could make use of them as a uniform, though. I think the uniforms are slightly different now."
"I'm sure," Sybil said as she held the armband. "May I have them? I know I won't make use of it, but I would love to keep it as another memory of my mother."
"Certainly, Sybil. Here's a box the uniform was in. You can take it in it."
"Thank you," Sybil smiled and gingerly placed the uniform in the box.
"Now, I think we're all done here. Let's return to my home so that we can have tea and some food along with a chat."
"Sounds perfect!"
Isobel left the hospital with Sybil and the two walked to her home. Sybil had always liked visiting her aunt's home. The house was quaint and the gardens were breathtaking. To Sybil, it seemed like the perfect home out of a fairytale. "I've always adored your home," Sybil said as she entered the house with Isobel.
"Oh, thank you, darling! Come and sit. We'll have tea, as well."
Sybil made herself comfortable and sat on the settee while the tea was brought in. Isobel sat across from her and took her teacup. "So," she said before taking a sip of her tea, "what is it that drew you to nursing in the first place?"
"I think what really drew me to nursing was the fact that my mother did it," Sybil said. "I also enjoy helping others and I truly want to make a difference in people's lives. You have a very giving spirit, Aunt Isobel. I'm sure you felt the same way I did."
"Yes, I've always wanted to help others and still do. I think I was meant to be in the medical world all along. I was born into it, actually."
"Were you?"
"I was. My father practiced medicine, my brother practiced medicine, and my first husband practiced medicine. I was always exposed to it all growing up. I remember my father would have books full of medical information all over his study. My mother would be so furious with the chaos," Isobel laughed. Sybil smiled and took a sip of her tea. She then placed her cup down and thought of more questions to ask her aunt.
"I remember hearing that you were a nurse during the Boer War; was that correct?" She asked.
"I did train as a nurse during the Boer war. It was ghastly, my goodness. I saw much suffering. However, I felt as though I needed to be there and help ease the suffering of those soldiers. I do not enjoy just sitting around while I could be helping others, especially at that age. I really had a passion for helping everyone and I am pleased that my life has revolved around helping others."
"You are a gift, Aunt Isobel. All you do is very much appreciated," Sybil said.
"Thank you, Sybbie. I am grateful that I chose to continue doing what I love after my first husband passed. I became even more determined to help others when he was gone. It was what he would have wanted; for me to continue on."
"You loved him very much, I know."
"I did. Love is grand but it's always a shame when war is present to interfere. I can imagine all those young ladies out there praying their loves won't enlist."
Sybil took another sip of her tea and looked into the cup quietly.
"Perhaps you shall meet a nice young man while you are away, Sybil."
"Oh, no," Sybil chucked and looked at her. "I'm afraid I have already met a nice young man."
"Do tell! Is it my grandson's friend?"
Sybil responded with a shy nod and smile.
Isobel laughed. "Of course! I had forgotten about his friend. What is his name? Edward? Yes, now I recall he was at your party. Well, that is wonderful, Sybil. He is very kind and handsome."
"Thank you. He is," Sybil blushed and continued drinking her tea. "He and George are to enlist sometime soon."
"They'll be alright," Isobel sighed. "George is very persistent and stubborn. I do hope nothing happens to him."
"I hope not either," Sybil said sadly. "But I think this war will not last too long."
"We can only hope for that... Well, anyway, what else would you like to know?"
"Hm, will you tell me more about the Boer war? And also, perhaps what to expect during my nurse training?"
"Of course," Isobel said, pouring herself more tea. "Where do I begin?"
Sybil spent the entire afternoon talking to her aunt about what seemed to be anything and everything. She told Sybil all about her experiences as a nurse during the Boer War, what Sybil should expect during her training, and even about her and her first husband, Reginald Crawley. The conversations and topics were endless and before they knew it, it was already evening. Because of the hour, Sybil knew that her family at Downton would be waiting for her to join them for dinner, so to not keep them waiting, she telephoned Downton and told Mr. Barrow that she was to return after she had dinner with her aunt. Her dinner with Isobel was quite enjoyable and filled with light-hearted talk of what she, Marigold, and George would get into as young children. After dinner, Sybil telephoned Downton Abbey once again to have Mr. Crewe drive her from Isobel's house.
"Thank you so much, Aunt Isobel. I had a wonderful time," Sybil said when she saw Mr. Crewe drive up to the house.
"I'm glad you had a nice time. I enjoyed it too!" Isobel said, walking outside with Sybil.
"I'll see you on Monday! Goodbye!" Sybil smiled as she got into the car with the box containing her mother's nurse uniform. "Thank you for getting me, Mr. Crewe. Is everyone finished with dinner?"
"They finished quite some time ago, Miss Sybil. I think only the men are downstairs now," Mr. Crewe said as he drove away and toward Downton Abbey.
"The women are in their rooms already? That's a shame. Oh, well," Sybil said. Sure enough, when Sybil returned home, the men were awake in the drawing room so Sybil decided to pop in for a quick hello. "Good evening, gentlemen," she smiled as she entered the room.
"Darling! You've returned," her father said.
"We missed you," George teased. Edward laughed and smiled at her.
"Yes, where on Earth were you?" Donk asked as he hugged her.
"I was with Aunt Isobel. I thought you knew," Sybil laughed.
"Oh, I had forgotten," Donk said. "What is in that box?"
Sybil set the box down on a chair. "Something very special. Look, Papa," she said as she lifted the lid from the box. "This is mother's uniform."
Her father walked over and looked. "It is," her father said with a sad smile. "Isobel gave it to you?"
"I wanted it," Sybil said and held the box out to him. He took it and smiled at her. "Another memory we have of her," he said.
"That's very nice of you to keep it, Sybbie," Donk said. "Now who wants something to drink?"
"Oh, I think that's my signal to go," Sybil giggled. "Shall I take the box to my room, Papa?"
"Yes, darling. You keep it safe," her father smiled and returned the box to her. "It's late. You should get some rest. I know you didn't sleep well last night."
"Right. Good night, Papa. Good night, everyone!" Sybil smiled.
"Good night, dearest," Donk said. "I am happy that you had a nice day."
"Thank you!" Sybil left the room but was soon being followed and she knew exactly who was following her.
"Sybil, wait!" Edward called out and joined her side. Sybil smiled and stopped walking. "Hello, Edward. I haven't seen you all day."
"I was hoping you would return earlier but I'm glad you're here now," Edward smiled. "I can't stop thinking about our time t at the Thirsk Fair. I had so much fun."
"I did too," Sybil blushed.
"I was wondering if you wanted to spend the afternoon together tomorrow, as well," Edward asked with a boyish smile. "I wanted to go to York with you. There's a dance hall there, I'm sure you know, and tomorrow afternoon there having a luncheon there with a live band. It seems like something we would enjoy together."
"I would love that! Yes, let's go, Edward. What time shall we leave? My father and I are planning on attending Mass in Ripon and I'm not sure at what time. I just know that we're leaving in the morning."
"We can leave as soon as you return."
"I look forward to it then," Sybil smiled. "Good night, Edward."
"Good night, Sybil," Edward smiled back. He leaned forward and kissed Sybil's cheek. "Sleep well."
"I shall," Sybil said as her face reddened. She quickly went upstairs to her room and was filled with excitement for tomorrow. She hadn't had a dull day at Downton since she arrived and for that she was grateful.
When she was ready for bed, Sybil placed the box with her mother's nurse uniform in her wardrobe. It would be safe in there, she thought. She was grateful to have something else of her mother's with her. She had hoped to keep all of these things her whole life and pass them down to her own children. She wanted to keep her mother's legacy alive anyway she could. She quietly told her mother goodnight as she went to her bed. Her lack of sleep from the day before caught up with her as soon as lay down in bed. Sleep took over and welcomed her into a peaceful night.
"Edward told me last night that you both are going to York later today?" Sybil's father asked the next morning as they walked from the car to the church.
"Oh, yes, I am," Sybil said. She had woken up well rested and cheerful this morning as she was looking forward to the day's activities. It was still quite early so she and her father decided to leave for the earliest Mass offered at the church in Ripon after they had their breakfast.
"He even asked me if he could drive the two of you there," her father chuckled.
"Drive us?" Sybil asked. "That'll be quite fun," she laughed. "Did you give him permission?"
"I did. Oh, and Sybil?"
"Yes, Papa?" Sybil said and stopped walking.
"I want you to make the most out of this week. You may not be returning to Downton until December. Make lasting memories," her father smiled.
"I will, Papa. I have already made a lot of memories since being here and I know I shall make more," she smiled back.
"Good. Now, let's go inside," her father said and opened the church door for her. Sybil walked in and was immediately in awe of the beauty within the church. She had always loved attending Mass here with her father. The stained-glass windows were the most enchanting to her and she loved to stare at them all while they were there. There were quite a lot of people within the church but Sybil and her father managed to squeeze into a pew. There was still some time before the Mass would begin, so Sybil and her father decided to kneel and pray. Sybil prayed for everyone in her family, as well as the world. She prayed for the safety of Edward and George and even herself for her nurse training. She felt at peace after she had spent more than a few minutes in prayer and truly enjoyed being back in Ripon when the Mass began.
When the Mass had ended, Sybil and her father quickly returned to Downton Abbey so that Sybil could get ready for her afternoon with Edward, who was already waiting downstairs in the drawing room. Once she was in her room, Sybil decided to change into a light green dress and put up her hair. The weather had also been gloomy this morning so she decided to take a coat, as well, just in case it would start to rain later. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she left to go downstairs and join Edward in the drawing room.
"Ready to go? You look beautiful," Edward said as he took her coat.
"Thank you," Sybil smiled. "I'm very excited."
"Oh, you're leaving now?" Sybil's father asked as he entered the room.
"Yes, Papa. I will see you later today."
"Alright, darling. Enjoy," her father said with a smile as he hugged her. "Have a good time," he said to Edward and shook his hand.
"Thank you," Edward said and soon left with Sybil. The car was already parked in front of Downton Abbey but there was no chauffeur waiting for them. "Oh, I'm driving," Edward said as he opened the car door for Sybil.
"Ah, yes, my father told me," Sybil said as she got into the car. "Is it a far drive?"
Edward got into the driver's seat and pulled a small map from his pocket. "I looked at this yesterday. It is a bit of a drive but not too far. I think we shall arrive within the hour. Or, at least, I hope we shall."
"We'll be fine, I'm sure," Sybil said as Edward began to drive away. She wanted to tell him about her nurse training but she decided that now was not the time; he was driving, after all. She decided she would tell him while they were having their lunch so as not to make the drive awkward for them.
"I hope the food there is good," Edward said.
"Oh, me too. I'm getting hungry. Papa and I woke up early for church so I had breakfast quite some time ago," Sybil said.
"How was it? The church, I mean."
"Very nice. I enjoyed it. What did you do this morning?"
"I slept in until a reasonable hour, had breakfast, and then got ready for our outing. Oh, and I have some news."
"Oh? Tell me," Sybil said. "I hope it's not bad news," she said and held her breath.
"I'd rather not say whether it's good or bad."
"That doesn't help," Sybil sighed. "So, what is it?"
Edward hesitated a moment before speaking. "I'm going to leave Downton Abbey on Thursday."
"What?" Sybil asked, shocked. "Leave to where?"
"I have to return home, Sybil. I have to see my mother before I leave for training," he said, his eyes remaining on the road.
"But you haven't enlisted yet, have you?" Sybil asked, desperate for answers.
"No, no, not yet. I will be tomorrow, though." Edward glanced at Sybil and frowned. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I needed to tell you, though."
Sybil looked at him. "I only have about three days left with you. What if I never see you again?"
"Don't say that, Sybil. Of course, we will see one another again. We have to."
Sybil nodded and hugged herself. "I'm leaving, as well, on Saturday," she said after a few moments of silence. She decided to tell him now since the opportunity presented itself.
"Oh, are you?" Edward asked. "That's good. Which hospital?"
"St. Margaret's in London," Sybil said. "Edward, I'm sorry. I shouldn't blame you for leaving. Either way, we only have this week left at Downton Abbey. I suppose it's just my fear of the future's uncertainty. I'm leaving, you and George are leaving; it's a bit overwhelming, don't you think?"
"I understand, Sybil," Edward said and reached over to hold her hand. "Let's not discuss this for the rest of the day. We said what we had to say about it. We're going to have a great time today, yes?"
Sybil smiled and lightly squeezed his hand. "Of course, we are."
When Edward and Sybil arrived at the dance hall, it had begun to rain, so the two quickly went inside to escape it. The room was decorated and there were small tables scattered around the room. In the corner, there was a little band playing jazz but no one was dancing. Many couples had just arrived and were enjoying the music from their tables or were walking around. Edward and Sybil found a table near the band and sat down.
"This is nice," Sybil smiled.
"It is," Edward said. He scooted his chair a tad bit closer to Sybil and looked at her. "So, you spent all day yesterday with your aunt?"
"Yes, I did. She told me a lot about what I can expect while at my training. There are so many rules, I can't even remember them all."
"Such as?"
Sybil smirked. "Well, one I remember is that nurses in training are not allowed to get married during that time."
"Oh? That's too bad. How long is the training?"
"Usually four years."
Edward stared at her in shock. "Four years? That's cruel of them. What if you fall in love and want to be married?"
Sybil shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "Hopefully, the man I'm going to marry will wait for me until I finish my training. Who knows what will happen?"
"Any smart man who knows what a treasure you truly are would wait for you," Edward said and looked around the room. "How does one receive tea here? That table has been served already."
Sybil blushed and folded her hands in her lap. "Thank you for the lovely compliment," She said shyly.
Edward turned back to her and smiled. "It's the truth."
Sybil smiled and the tea was suddenly brought to their table by a server. Hot tea was just what Sybil needed on this rainy day. Edward poured the tea for them and Sybil put her small usual amount of sugar in hers. "Mm, this tastes absolutely wonderful," Sybil said after she took a sip.
Edward nodded in agreement after he took a sip of his. "Indeed."
The lunch was soon served to the guests, which consisted of hot soup and dainty sandwiches. The soup was far too hot to eat right away so Sybil decided to begin a new conversation while the soup cooled off. "Edward," she began, "if the war wasn't happening, what would you be doing right now?" She asked.
"Probably this," Edward smiled. "We just wouldn't be having this conversation."
"Well, I know that," Sybil said. "But what did you want to do with your future before the war was even declared? And would you still want to do that after the war?"
"Interesting question," Edward said and began to think. "Well, I'm not sure what I wanted to do exactly but I've always been fond of books. I'm good with numbers too. During my schooling at university, I spent a lot of my time helping with various tasks around a lawyer's office. I don't think I can see myself working in that type of environment, though. I think it's interesting, but it's not quite for me."
"Interesting," Sybil said and took a small spoonful of her soup. She realized it was still much too hot. "I'm sure you'll discover what you truly are passionate about soon."
"I'm sure. What about you, Sybil?"
"Oh, I don't know exactly either. I think I would have gone to a medical school near where I live. Papa and I live in Massachusetts and there are a lot of good schools there and in the surrounding states like New York."
"That would have been nice," Edward smiled.
"Yes. I don't know when I'll see my home there again. Papa and I will return eventually. We have to."
"Of course. I wouldn't worry too much about that, Syb," Edward said and started on his soup.
"Syb?" Sybil laughed. "You've never called me that before. It sounds so modern."
"Did I call you that? I'm sorry," Edward chuckled.
"No, it's fine. I'm just not used to that," Sybil smiled.
"I'll only call you that sometimes so you can slowly get used to it."
"Fine," Sybil smirked.
Sometime later, the two had finished their delicious meals and were satisfied. The dancing was slowly starting to begin as the band began to play more lively compositions. Sybil watched as the couples danced and smiled when she saw Edward tapping his foot out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to dance and she knew he did, as well. She stood and turned toward him. "Shall we dance?"
"We shall," Edward smiled and stood. He gently took Sybil's hand and led her to the dance floor. The two began to dance with one another and by now, they felt like they were experts when it came to dancing. "I think the other couples are envious of us," Edward said quietly to Sybil.
"Why?"
"Because we dance so well with one another."
Sybil laughed. "That's only because we've spent so much time practicing."
"That is very true," Edward chuckled. He glanced over Sybil's shoulder for a moment and noticed a few men at a table engrossed by a newspaper. The newspaper had a large headline that Edward quickly read. "Canada has declared war on Germany," Edward said. Sybil looked up at him in confusion.
"I'm sorry?"
"The men over there are huddled around a newspaper. I can read the headlines from here and it says that Canada has declared war on Germany," he explained.
"Oh," Sybil said and looked behind her. "Others will start to be involved too, I'm sure."
"Hopefully, that will get this all settled and ended quickly."
"I hope so," Sybil sighed.
The dancing went on until the late afternoon when the servers began to put away the decorations. The live band played one last song before the end of the event. After an applause, the couples attending quickly began to retrieve their belongings and leave the building, only to be started by the amount of heavy rainfall. "It's raining quite a lot now," Sybil said as she took her coat from her seat. "Are you comfortable driving in these conditions?"
"Yes, and I have no other choice," Edward said and slipped his coat on too. "We'll be home in no time. I just need the map because I haven't the slightest idea on how to get to Downton Abbey from here," he chuckled as he reached into his pocket for his map. His eyes widened in fear as his hands fumbled through his pockets. Sybil understood immediately.
"You don't have the map," she said.
"No," Edward said as he gave up his search. "I think it's in the car. Let's go."
Sybil and Edward quickly walked out of the dance hall hand-in-hand and to their car. The rain was pelting them so they ran to the car so as not be drenched by the time they got in. Edward and Sybil frantically slipped into the car and closed the doors.
"I'll look over here," Sybil said, catching her breath. She looked for the map on and under her seat, while Edward looked all over the driver's side. The map could not be found.
"I can't find it," he groaned. "It's gone. It must have fallen out somewhere either outside or in the dance hall."
"Do you think we could go back inside the dance hall to find it?" Sybil asked.
"I'll go back. You stay here," Edward told her. He left the car and ran back to the hall entrance. Sybil watched him as he knocked on the door and searched his pockets one more time. Sybil began to silently pray in her mind that the map would be found or that they would find a solution to their problem. She and Edward needed to get home or else everyone would be sick with worry, especially since she and Edward were out in these dangerous driving conditions. Her family would be angry with the both of them too. She did not want to cause any trouble in the home, especially since this was her last week with them.
Sybil saw one of the servers open the door for Edward and let him back inside the hall. After a few minutes, Edward walked back out of the hall looking disappointed and shaking his head at Sybil. Sybil frowned and watched as he got back into the car with a frustrated look on his face. "It's nowhere to be found. The server said that they had already begun to quickly clean up the floor and tables so there is a possibility that the map got picked up."
"What are we going to do?" Sybil asked, her voice full of worry.
Edward sighed and placed his hands on the steering wheel. "Shall we take our chances?"
"No," Sybil began, "I don't think that would be wise. It'll be dark soon. What if we were to get ourselves lost? We'll end up in Scotland!"
"But Scotland is beautiful. I wouldn't mind that," Edward joked, trying to make fun of the situation.
"Edward," Sybil laughed. "We really do need to think about this."
"Hm." Edward gazed out at the street before him and began to think of what their options were in order to get safely home. Should he just drive and hope for the best or try to think of a better solution?
"We need to find a telephone," Sybil said. Edward turned to her. A solution had been found.
"Are we going to telephone your family and ask them to send someone to come and get us?" He asked.
"Yes, or we can ask for directions," Sybil said with a nod. "We just need to find a telephone here. Let's drive around and look for one."
"Alright then," Edward said and drove away from the dance hall. The two surveyed their surroundings in hopes of finding a place where there would be a telephone. There were a few offices that definitely would have telephones but Sybil remembered that it was Sunday and the businesses were closed. Their search had continued on for half an hour until they found an inn that had to have a telephone. Edward parked in front of the inn and quickly helped Sybil out. If Donk or her father found out she was going to an inn with Edward, they would be furious, especially Donk since Sybil's father trusted her more and knew she would never put herself in this situation; but she and Edward were not going to stay here, at least, she hoped there was no need to.
The inn was a quaint little place that seemed very welcoming. The warmth of the fire felt like heaven when Sybil and Edward walked in, drenched from the rain. There was a stout older man seated behind a desk that smiled at them when they came in. "Hello! One room?"
"Oh, no," Edward said to him with a nervous grin as Sybil blushed next to him.
"Ah, I see. Two rooms then?" the man asked.
"Actually, we were hoping we could use your telephone," Edward said. The man nodded and pointed to the hallway. "There's a telephone over there, sir."
"Thank you." Edward placed his hand on the small of Sybil's back and turned to her. "I'll go to the telephone and you stay here and get yourself warm. I don't want you to catch anything," he said with a small smile. Sybil nodded and watched him leave the hall. The man at the desk smiled at her. "Is he your beau?"
"Yes," Sybil said with a shy smile. "Well, I hope so. We haven't really discussed that."
"Well, you two are lovely together. Why don't you make yourself warm, Miss? Sit by the fire. Those chairs are very comfortable. Would you like me to bring you anything? Hot tea?"
"Oh, thank you, sir. I'm fine, though. I think I'll just sit down by the fire." Sybil went over to a comfortable seat and sat down in front of the fireplace. She took off her coat, which had clung tightly to her skin due to the rain, and laid it out in front of the fire to dry. When she looked at her reflection in one of the windows, she saw that her hair a damp mess of dark waves. She was not embarrassed, however, because Edward's hair was also a damp mess from his drenched hat.
On the table across from Sybil, there lay the newspaper. The newspaper front was all about Canada declaring war on Germany, just as she and Edward saw at the dance hall. She picked up the newspaper and flipped through it. The page behind it told of the Germans occupying Warsaw, but Sybil did not want to read about that. Before she could further look through the newspaper, Edward came back and sat down next to her. "Mr. Barrow said that your father is coming to get us. He didn't feel comfortable giving us directions because we may get ourselves lost even further. Oh, and Lord Grantham may or may not be joining him, as well," Edward said.
"Oh no," Sybil groaned. "Did Mr. Barrow say anything else?"
"Lord Grantham is quite upset."
"Fantastic," Sybil sighed. "It's going to be just like what happened last week."
"Don't worry," Edward said and slipped his arm around Sybil. "I had a wonderful time, though."
"So did I," Sybil smiled. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "Sorry if I doze off while we wait, I'm quite tired."
"You may rest, Sybil. Your father may not be here for an hour or so. You've had a long weekend, too," Edward smiled and rested his head against hers. The warmth of Edward and the fire made it quite easy for Sybil to drift off for what seemed like hours but only a little less than an hour passed before she was awakened by Edward, who quickly told her to put on her coat.
"Are they here?" Sybil yawned and sat up. She rubbed her eyes and she watched Edward pick up her coat.
"Yes, a car just drove up. Let's go," Edward said, slipping Sybil's coat over her shoulders. "Thank you, sir!" Edward said to the innkeeper as he led Sybil out the door. Sybil saw her father walking towards them with an umbrella as they walked outside.
"Here, darling," her father said as he approached them and held the umbrella over Sybil. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, Papa," Sybil said. "We only didn't have a map to get home. Is Donk in the car?"
"I'm afraid so," her father said. "Edward, can you follow me in the car you drove here?"
"Yes, I can," Edward said.
"Alright. I'll take Sybil in my car. Did you two have a nice time?"
"We did, Papa," Sybil smiled. "But I'm sorry about all of this."
"I don't mind, Sybil. None of this was your fault. Believe me, I've gotten into situations worse than this during my years as a chauffeur," he winked. "So, follow me, Edward."
Edward went to the car he and Sybil came to York in and Sybil followed her father to the other car. Sybil saw Donk's face from the passenger seat window as she approached the car. She said a mustered up what confidence and got into the car hoping he wasn't too upset. "Hello, Donk," Sybil said quietly.
"Sybil, why aren't I told anything anymore?" Donk asked. Sybil's father got into the car and began driving before Sybil could answer.
Sybil began "I-"
"Because I am not growing fond of you parading all over England with this boy," Donk interrupted.
"That's not true, Donk," Sybil said sadly.
"She is nineteen years old now. She doesn't have to ask for everyone's permission," Sybil's father said.
"You're one to talk, Tom. You also took my daughter all over without either of you breathing a word to me," Donk said.
"Yes, and did anything bad ever happen?" Sybil's father asked. Sybil noted the two of them were beginning to sound more and more frustrated with each other.
"Not to my knowledge," Donk scoffed. "I know hardly anything about this Edward Trent and he's suddenly enthralled by my granddaughter. I don't care how many times before he's stayed at Downton Abbey. Also, why on earth would you two stop at an inn? An inn of all places! That's a scandal waiting to happen!"
"Donk, please," Sybil said. "Please don't be angry. My Papa always knows where I am. I'm safe, Donk. Edward is a wonderful and responsible person. I really like him, Donk. He was so distraught when we couldn't find the map to return home. He didn't want any of you to be angry with us. It's just a little accident, Donk. The inn was the only place near us that had a telephone."
Donk remained silent so Sybil thought there was no use in saying anymore. She sighed and leaned back in her seat. Her father glanced at her through the mirror and continued to drive. Sybil looked behind her and saw Edward driving behind them. She hoped he didn't think that she was getting scolded severely by Donk and would be was worrying.
"I'm sorry," Donk finally said. Sybil and her father both looked at him surprised.
"I need to stop being so quick to anger with my grandchildren. You all are grown and responsible young adults. It's just that I see so much of your mother in you, Sybbie. I do not want to lose you and I don't want anything to happen to you. I love you very much. I'm also sorry to you, Tom. I didn't mean to say those things to you. I know you loved Sybil and still do and that when you were with her without me knowing you took very good care of her."
"Thank you," Sybil's father said. "Sybil, Sybbie, and I love you very much. You are the head of the family and just want what's best for everyone."
"I do," Donk said.
"It's alright, Donk," Sybil said, placing her arms on his shoulders from the backseat. "I know you're just looking out for me. You don't have to worry when I'm with Edward. He respects you and would never do anything to anger you," she said and leaned forward to kissed his cheek. "I love you, Donk."
"I love you too, Sybbie," Donk smiled. "Anger is bad for my health, the doctor said. I should learn to let things go, as one would say. I won't scold Edward either," he sighed. "Just don't go elope like your mother and father did."
Sybil's father laughed along with her. "Do not worry about that either."
Afterward, the drive back home was very pleasant. She was grateful that nothing blew out of proportion and that Edward would not get scolded by Donk. With peace-of-mind, Sybil was able to sleep for the rest of the way.
Time passed and Sybil must have been fast asleep when they returned to Downton because when she woke up, she was being carried by her father up the stairs.
"Papa?" Sybil asked sleepily.
"Ah, you're awake," she heard her father say. "We couldn't get you to wake up from the car. Shall I put you down?"
"Alright," Sybil said and was slowly and gently put down on her feet by her father. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, darling. Oh, Edward is already in his room but Donk and I spoke to him and Donk actually thanked him for being responsible and calling us. He also apologized for being angry. I could see the relief on Edward's face," her father laughed.
"Oh, good," Sybil happily sighed. "I'm sorry, Papa, I'm so exhausted. I'm going to return to the hospital again tomorrow to see Isobel and a patient I met yesterday."
"Alright, darling," her father said and hugged her. "Sleep well. Oh, and please change out of your damp clothes as soon as you get into your room."
"I will, Papa. Good night," Sybil smiled and went to her room. When she opened the door, she noticed a small white piece of paper on the floor. It wasn't too far into her room so someone must have slipped it underneath her door a few moments ago. She picked up the piece of paper and read it:
The time I spend with you always seems like the best of times. Thank you for a beautiful day, even though the ending was a bit chaotic.
Goodnight, Syb.
Edward
Sybil smiled sleepily and placed the piece of paper on her vanity. With great haste, she removed her damp clothes, put on a comfortable and warm nightgown, and then slipped into bed. Tomorrow she would go to the hospital to see Lucy and spend more time with everyone. She wanted to spend a lot of time with everyone before she would leave and she hoped that these last few days would not be the last time she would be seeing Edward and her family. She had to make the best out of this week, as well, because she knew that Saturday was just around the corner and soon she would be training as a nurse and be in the midst of war.
