A woman's faint sobbing was what awoke Sybil the following morning. She immediately threw off her covers and slipped out of bed to see what the trouble was. Sybil slowly opened her door and listened for the where the cries were coming from. She could hear the muffled voices of her aunts, Mary, and Edith, from behind one of the bedroom doors.
"Mary, it's all going to be alright, I promise. Please, do not cry," she heard her aunt, Edith, say.
"You have no idea how I'm feeling, Edith! I can't believe Henry went with him! He's only a boy! He does need to prove anything by going to war," Aunt Mary replied. After this was said, Aunt Edith muttered something quickly and promptly left the room. When her aunt noticed Sybil peeking from her room, she gave her a sad smile and walked over to her.
"Good morning, Sybbie," her aunt said.
"Good morning, Aunt Edith. Aunt Mary is upset?"
Edith's eyes saddened. "Quite upset. George and his friend left to go enlist about half an hour ago and the reality of it all just set in with her, I feel."
"They left to enlist just now? They'll be back later, though, yes?" Sybil asked, wishing she would have been awake to see them off.
"Yes, of course. Your father, uncles, and grandfather went with them, as well, for the drive. They said they would be gone for a few hours."
"Oh," Sybil sighed and leaned against the doorframe. "I suppose I'll get dressed now then and start my day."
"Alright, I shall see you later then, dear," her aunt said and left to her room. Sybil closed her bedroom door and looked through her wardrobe. She couldn't believe that she had slept in and missed George and Edward leaving to enlist. She was tired, however, from all the dancing that she and Edward had done the night before. She decided not to dwell on it and focus on her day, instead. Today she was to visit the hospital and see little Lucy again so she decided to get an early start and leave after she finished her breakfast. She slipped off her nightgown and slipped into a casual blue dress and put her coat on. Once she was finished getting ready, Sybil chose to go downstairs to have breakfast rather than wait for it to be brought up to her. However, Sybil knew there would not be any food waiting for her in the dining room, so she had to go downstairs and ask for it in the servant's quarters.
As she descended downstairs to the servant's quarters, she remembered all the times she, George, and Marigold used to hide in the kitchen from Mr. Carson, as he searched high and low for them. There was never a dull moment whenever she came to Downton as a child, and she, along with her cousins, certainly kept the entire household on their toes.
"Miss Sybil, what brings you down here?" Mr. Barrow asked as Sybil turned the corner.
"Oh! Good morning, Mr. Barrow," Sybil said with a polite smile. "I came to see about my breakfast. I do not wish to have it in my room this morning."
"That's no problem, Miss Sybil. We shall bring it to you momentarily."
"Thank you, Mr. Barrow," Sybil smiled and turned towards the staircase. Before she could take her first step up, however, she turned back toward the butler. "May I ask you something, Mr. Barrow?"
Barrow made a slight bow towards Sybil. "Anything, Miss Sybil."
"You've worked at Downton for quite a long time," Sybil began, "It always fascinates me as to why. Most of our servants left years ago yet you and our few other servants remain here even though it is going to soon be 1940. Do you think you shall ever leave Downton?"
Mr. Barrow smiled. "Well, I think I may be too young to retire but, you're right, I have been for quite some time."
"And you haven't changed a bit," Sybil laughed.
Mr. Barrow chuckled at her. "I'm not so sure about that. In response as to what keeps me here, it is that I feel such a loyalty to your family that I cannot see myself not being in Downton Abbey. As for whether I'll be here for the rest of my life, well, I can think about that another day."
"Well, we are happy to have you here, Mr. Barrow," Sybil said.
"Thank you, Miss Sybil. Do you happen to be leaving anywhere today?"
"Yes, I am. Will you fetch Mr. Crewe and have him bring the car to the front, please?"
"Of course. Now, your breakfast shall come to you very soon so I suggest making your way to the dining room," Mr. Barrow smiled.
"I shall," Sybil smiled and she began to go up the staircase. "Thank you, Mr. Barrow!"
Moments later, Sybil was in the dining room sitting at the table having her breakfast. As she ate, she watched the trees sway in the wind from afar through the window. It had rained all night since she and Edward returned from their outing. She hoped it would not rain while she was away at the hospital; she did not want anyone worrying about her again, but her hopes were suddenly crushed when the sound of thunder shook the room. "I should go now," Sybil said to herself, quickly finishing the last piece of biscuit from her meal as she left the table. As she slipped on her coat and walked outside into the foggy morning, she was greeted by Mr. Crewe, who was already waiting by the car. "Where to today, Miss Sybil?"
"The cottage hospital, please," Sybil said as she slipped into the car. As the drive began, Sybil began to wonder what the hospital she was going to be sent to would look like. Was it a grand hospital with many wings and excellent accommodations? Was it a small or run-down hospital that barely had enough space for patients? Was the hospital even safe from the effects of war? War had not touched London, as of yet, but things were so unpredictable in times of war and Sybil feared that the safety of herself and those in the hospital would be in jeopardy if the war was fought on British soil, especially if it was in or near London. Again, the thought of her survival was creeping into her thoughts. She did not like to think about whether or not she, Edward, or George, would survive the war but they simply had to make it through.
"Miss Sybil?"
Sybil blinked and looked to her left; Mr. Crewe was standing there holding the car door open for her. "We have arrived."
"Oh, yes, thank you. I'm sorry, I must not have heard you," Sybil said with an apologetic look. The previous thoughts of the war vanished and now Sybil was focused on finding Lucy. She entered the hospital and immediately chased down a young doctor to help her. "Good morning, sir! Sorry to bother you," Sybil said as she caught up to him.
The young doctor appeared startled at Sybil's sudden appearance, but he remained polite and stopped in his path. "Good morning, Miss. How can I help you?"
"Yes, is Isobel Grey here?"
"Not yet, I'm afraid. Did you have an appointment with her?"
"No," Sybil replied. "My main reason for my visit is to see a patient here. She's a young girl and her name is Lucy."
"Lucy?" The doctor asked and was obviously trying to match the name to a face. "Ah, yes, Lucy Crane. The young girl with a cough?"
"That's her!"
"I'm sorry, Miss, but I'm afraid we cannot allow visitors at this time. Our visiting hours are not until two o'clock. You may come back then to see her."
Sybil's heart dropped. "I-I wasn't aware of visiting hours! Please, doctor, I very much wanted to see her this morning. There shall be a storm later in the afternoon from the looks of it and I really cannot be out in that weather."
"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. Are you her mother or a relative?"
"No, doctor."
"Then I really can't let you see her now. Come back later."
"But, I-"
"Doctor Neil, what is the matter?" Sybil turned and saw Isobel Grey walking toward them. Relief fell upon Sybil as she saw someone who could help the situation. The doctor stiffened and turned towards Isobel. "This young lady is here to visit a young patient, Lucy Crane, even though it is against our regulations. She may return later when it is visiting hours, I told her. She will not listen, I'm afraid."
"Well," Isobel began, "Sybil has my permission to visit her little friend."
Sybil beamed. "Thank you, Aunt Isobel. I very much appreciate that."
"Just this once," Isobel said with a smile and then faced the young doctor. "Miss Branson is my daughter-in-law's niece. She's going to be training in a hospital in London soon, isn't that wonderful?"
The doctor, who now had a look of guilt, nodded. "Indeed. I wish you luck, Miss."
"Thank you," Sybil said.
"Now that we're all settled, I'll show you where Miss Lucy is now. She is no longer in that room alone," Isobel said as she began to walk down the hall with Sybil following behind. She led her to a room filled with patients and due to most of the privacy curtains being pulled to cover the beds, it was difficult for Sybil to decipher where exactly Lucy was.
"Which bed is she in?" Sybil asked Isobel quietly.
"The one at the end, nearest to the window. She's probably not asleep either. Poor dear doesn't sleep well due to her ailments so she is always awake all morning."
"Oh, how sad," Sybil frowned. "Well, thank you for all your help again. I shall go see her now."
"Of course," Isobel said and left. Sybil quietly tiptoed across the room, trying her best not to disturb the patients there. To her surprise, most of the patients were adults and the elderly; Lucy must have been the only child patient there at the time.
What reassured Sybil that the bed on the end belonged to Lucy was the red ribbon lying on the floor under the privacy curtain. She remembered it was the ribbon that was used for Lucy's teddy bear's bow. She gave a quick peek from behind the curtain and was immediately recognized by Lucy. "Princess Sybil!" Lucy gasped in a hoarse low voice.
"Hello, Lucy," Sybil said quietly. Lucy's face seemed to be even paler than before and her face was one of exhaustion from lack of sleep. It broke Sybil's heart to see such a young child in this state. "May I sit?"
Lucy nodded excitedly and pointed to a chair near the wall. "There's a chair there."
"Thank you," Sybil smiled and brought the chair next to the bed. When Sybil sat, she bent forward and picked up the red ribbon from off the floor. "I think Teddy has lost his ribbon again," she said as she held the ribbon up.
"Oh, there it is!" Lucy smiled. "I thought I lost it. Will you tie another bow on him again, please?"
"Of course," Sybil said and was given the bear. She then began to tie the ribbon into the bow around the bear's neck. "So, are you happy in this room with other people, Lucy?"
Lucy shrugged her bony shoulders. "They don't talk to me. I like talking-" she was interrupted by her coughing. Sybil winced as she heard the girl's coughs; they sounded more painful than before. When Lucy stopped, she seemed to have lost her voice for a moment.
"Perhaps talking would not be the best for you to do right now, hm? Just take a deep breath and relax. You'll feel better in a few minutes," Sybil said reassuringly. Lucy nodded and watched Sybil tie her bear's bow. "There," Sybil said and returned the bear to Lucy. Lucy grinned and hugged the bear.
"Yay," she said in a raspy voice. "Oh, my voice is back now," she announced, not sounding too convincing. "I wish I could feel better soon."
"I'm sure you will, Lucy. Here, I know, let's do something that will make you feel better. Would you like that?"
Lucy nodded. "Yes! But I don't know what makes me feel better. What makes you feel better when you're not feeling well?"
"Me? Well, nowadays, when I don't feel well, which isn't very often, I usually stay in bed, like you are, and spend the day reading a book or a magazine."
"You read a magazine?" Lucy asked as if that was the silliest thing she ever heard of someone doing. "What sort of magazine?"
"I enjoy looking at fashion magazines," Sybil smiled, remembering the hours she would spend turning pages full of beautiful dresses she would love to wear. It was a special treat whenever she would return from school and find the latest issue of Vogue on her bed, waiting to be read. Her father was always sure he would pick up the latest issue for her once a month and Sybil always showed her thanks in an abundance of hugs.
"What's in a fashion magazine?" Lucy asked.
"Oh, lots of things. Pretty clothes of all kinds! My favorites are the dresses. The models always look so beautiful in them."
"I like dresses," Lucy sang. "What else did you do?"
"Oh, that's all," Sybil said. "Oh, and my Papa always made me a bowl of delicious hot soup. When I was younger, he would always bring soup and a book to my room. He would read to me as I ate and it was always a nice time. My Papa always knew how to make me feel better. He still does." Sybil began to feel emotional, thinking of those memories she had of her father staying up well into the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning nursing Sybil back to health and not leaving until she felt better. He had always put her before himself and Sybil truly appreciated everything he ever did for her and still does for her.
"Is your Papa your best friend?" Lucy asked, interrupting Sybil's thoughts. "Mine is."
"Mine is too," Sybil said with a smile. She sighed and looked up at the lights so tears would not fill her eyes.
"My Papa always gives me piggyback rides," Lucy giggled. "I love them."
Sybil looked back at Lucy and laughed. "Piggyback rides were always my favorite too."
Lucy grinned and a sudden burst of thunder sounded from outside. Lucy fearfully turned toward the window. "Thunder!" She whispered.
"Oh, no," Sybil frowned as she stood and went to the window. Specks of water began to splatter across the window as Sybil tried to look past them and at the sky. "It's begun to rain."
"Aw, I don't like the rain. It always rains," Lucy pouted and crossed her arms.
"I like the rain but usually if I'm indoors," Sybil said as she returned to her seat. "Will your Mama and Papa come to see you today?"
"They see me every day," Lucy said proudly. "Will you see me every day now?"
The girl's question caught Sybil off-guard and she quickly thought of what to say without hurting the little girl's feelings. She would visit every day but this week was her last week home and she wasn't planning on spending all these days here at the hospital. "I'm afraid I can't be here every day," Sybil said slowly, not wanting to hurt Lucy's feelings. "But I shall try to come Friday." Friday would be best for Sybil as she could take some time to see Lucy before she was to leave Downton.
"Friday? That sounds nice," Lucy smiled. "And then when will you come back?"
"I…," Sybil paused and looked down at her hands. "I'm leaving Lucy," she confessed and faced her. "I'm going to London to train as a nurse. I'll be gone for quite a while."
Lucy face saddened. "You're going away? You won't come back?"
"I'll come back, Lucy, don't worry," Sybil said. "I should be back for Christmas. I'll be able to see you then."
"But Christmas is so far away," Lucy pouted.
"Not so far away, though," Sybil smiled. "Only a few months away. Time will go by more quickly than you know it. You won't even realize how long I've been gone."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise."
Lucy was satisfied by Sybil's words, so much so that she soon began to talk about all the things she and her family do for Christmas and completely forgot what they were talking about before. Sybil listened and smiled, but her mind was off elsewhere. Her words spoken previously to Lucy may have comforted her, but Sybil spoke those words more so to comfort herself.
The visit continued with more stories, playing with Teddy, talking of princesses, and more stories. When Sybil's visit reached the length of an hour, she decided it was time that she left Lucy to rest. Lucy, however, did not agree. "I don't want you to leave," Lucy said, holding onto Sybil's arm.
"I don't want to leave either, Lucy, but I have to let you rest. You were coughing quite a lot earlier; you want to feel better, don't you?"
Lucy nodded and let go of Sybil's arm.
"And your parents should be here soon," Sybil said as she returned the chair she was using to the corner. When she turned back to Lucy, she was met with a sad look on her face. "Oh, cheer up, Lucy," Sybil said. "If you don't cheer up, Teddy is going to be sad and so will I. Will you cheer up for us, please?"
Lucy coughed and shook her head, trying to hide a grin. Sybil raised a brow at her and picked up the teddy bear. "So be it then," Sybil said in a playful tone. "Teddy will have to cheer you up!" Sybil began to tickle Lucy and smother her arm with her bear, which made Lucy giggle to no end.
"We won't stop until you're happy!" Sybil laughed. Lucy waved her arms in the air and her fit of giggles continued. "I'm happy! I'm happy!"
"That's more like it," Sybil said, freeing Lucy from the endless tickles. With a grin, Sybil placed Lucy's bear on her bed and patted its head. "Until Friday, Teddy."
"Goodbye, Princess Sybil," Lucy said as she suddenly put her tiny arms around Sybil's neck and hugged her. Sybil sighed and returned the embrace to Lucy.
"Goodbye, Princess Lucy. I shall see you on Friday."
"Friday," Lucy repeated and pulled away to cough. Sybil smiled and took a step away from the bed.
"Rest well, alright?"
Lucy nodded, as her coughs were preventing her from responding. She waved at Sybil and then returned to playing with her bear. Sybil smiled sadly and she forced herself to turn around and walk out from behind the curtain. The other patients were awake and conversing with one another, and Sybil hoped that she and Lucy's talking had not disrupted them.
Sybil left the room with a heavy heart and decided that a quick visit to her aunt's study would cheer her up. She managed to find her way through the hallways and straight to where she remembered the study was. "Aunt Isobel? It's Sybil," Sybil said as she knocked on her aunt's door.
"Come in," Sybil heard her say. She entered the room and found Isobel seated at her desk going through some papers. "How was your visit with Lucy?"
"It was lovely," Sybil said as she closed the door. "She has such a grand imagination. She went on and on for ten minutes about a story about a prince, a princess, and a ferocious dragon. It was quite entertaining."
Isobel chuckled. "That sounds like something Marigold would write about."
"Oh, yes, Marigold has a wonderful imagination too, as well as the talent to write all those stories down. May I sit?"
"Oh, go ahead, Sybil. Care for some tea?" Isobel asked as she stood up from her desk and went to her teapot on a little side table.
"Tea sounds perfect. Thank you."
"Perfect for this type of weather, as always," Isobel said as she gingerly gave Sybil the steaming teacup. "So," she began as she sat back down. "How is everyone this morning?"
"Not well, I'm afraid," Sybil said as she placed the teacup down on the desk in front of her.
"What's happened?" Isobel asked with a sudden concern.
"George and Edward went to enlist this morning. The men accompanied them."
"Oh," Isobel sighed. "What's done is done. There's no changing their minds now. How is your aunt?"
"Aunt Mary was crying this morning," Sybil frowned, remembering the horribly distressed sobs that woke her in the morning. She took a sip of her tea before continuing. "I think Aunt Edith was trying to comfort her but some words were exchanged and she left the room."
"How terrible. And Marigold? How is she dealing with the fact that you and George are leaving?"
"She is upset, that much I know," Sybil said. Marigold had poured her heart out to her days before and told her how much she would miss her. "I feel terrible that she'll be left alone."
"Perhaps she shall find something to do with herself in yours and George's absence."
"I hope so," Sybil said and continued to drink her tea. Someone soon knocked on the door and came into Isobel's office telling her that it was time to distribute medications to some of the patients. Isobel immediately stood and regretfully said her goodbyes to Sybil. "I'm so sorry, I must get to work now," she said.
"That's alright," Sybil said, as she stood. "I should be returning home.."
"I shall see you soon then," Isobel said as she left the room with the doctor.
"Yes, thank you for the tea!" Sybil called out to her as she walked away.
The rain was falling harder now when Sybil returned to the car. She wondered what everyone would be doing when she returned home and whether or not the men had returned. If they had returned, Sybil would prepare herself for an emotional afternoon, which there seemed to be quite a lot of since her return to Downton with her father. However, when Mr. Crewe brought her safely back to Downton Abbey, all was the same. To her surprise, George, Edward, Donk, her uncles, nor her father had returned yet. She was relieved at that but also was concerned as to why they had been gone so long.
As Sybil removed her damp coat and began to go upstairs to her room, she heard faint music coming from one of the rooms. Quickly leaving her coat to dry in her bedroom, Sybil wandered around the upstairs listening for where the music was coming from and ended up in the upstairs parlor. Marigold was lying on the settee reading a book while "Pennies from Heaven" by Bing Crosby sounded from the gramophone.
"Marigold?"
Marigold looked up from behind her book and immediately stood to greet her cousin. "Sybbie! I'm so happy you're back. I decided to leave my room for once and spend some time in here. Isn't Bing Crosby's voice so dreamy?"
"Indeed," Sybil said as she wandered over to the gramophone. "George and the rest of them haven't returned yet?"
"Not yet," Marigold said, plopping back onto the settee. "When do you leave for training?"
Sybil had not told her cousin yet that she was going to be leaving soon. She did not want to upset Marigold but the truth had to be said eventually and today was the best day to do so. Sybil sat down in a chair and looked at Marigold. "I leave on Saturday," she said, holding her breath and preparing for the worst reaction.
Marigold's eyes focused on her cousin. "This Saturday? You're joking." Marigold almost laughed from disbelief as if she was trying to convince herself that she had not heard what Sybil said correctly. Sybil shook her head lightly and exhaled.
"It's true, Marigold. I'm leaving for St. Margaret's hospital in London on Saturday."
So she had heard her correctly. Marigold held a stiff upper lip as she turned away from her cousin. "I shall not cry," Marigold blurbed out. "I know it is not for forever."
"Only temporary," Sybil said with an expression of worry. She stood and went over to her cousin to see if she was alright, and the two embraced tightly. "I love you, Marigold."
"I love you too, Sybbie," Marigold said.
"What about me?" A new voice asked. Sybil and Marigold quickly turned toward the door and saw George standing there with a grin on his face. "You're looking at a newly enlisted member of Her Majesty's Army."
"You're back!" Marigold cheered as she ran to George and hugged him. Edward soon followed in after George and his eyes met with Sybil's. Her heart seemed to quicken as she smiled at him and he walked up to her.
"I didn't expect you to be gone so early," Sybil said as Edward gently kissed her hand.
"Neither did I," Edward said, rolling his eyes. "It was George's idea to leave at the crack of dawn. I'm always woken up extremely early after spending an evening with you, it seems."
Sybil blushed. "Then maybe we shouldn't go out dancing ever again."
"Oh, no, that can't happen," Edward said with a sly grin.
Sybil smiled and a silence soon grew between them. "So, you have enlisted now?"
"Yes," Edward hesitated. "George and I are scheduled to begin training in two weeks. Our training is almost eight weeks, I believe. It may change. I'm still leaving on Thursday, though, to see my mother."
"I understand," Sybil said, not wanting to appear sullen towards the subject.
"Isn't this exciting?" George asked as he abruptly put his arm around Sybil. "Your cousin and sweetheart are going to be war heroes!"
"George," Edward sighed. Sybil could not help but laugh at George. She found it quite sweet how excited George was, even if it was about enlisting; if only she had his bravery, she thought.
"And what on earth are you listening to?" George asked as he went to the gramophone.
"Bing Crosby! Don't you dare touch that!" Marigold screamed as she ran to the gramophone. It was too late, however, because George had already removed the record. "Much too slow. Let's put on something lively."
"Ugh!" Marigold huffed. "You're impossible."
Sybil went and stood next to George to prevent a little spat from happening between him and Marigold. "Now, now, you two. What shall we listen to then, hm?"
"Something that is easy to dance to," Edward said quietly as he sat down on the settee with a smile on his face. Sybil glanced back at him as she remembered what fun they had dancing the night before.
"Some Duke Ellington may do the trick," George said as he took a record and placed it on the gramophone. "This is much better, don't you agree?" he asked Edward.
"This is much too fast!" Marigold giggled. "We don't even know how to dance to this!"
"It's easy!" George said as he put his arms around Marigold and began to dance with her around the room. Sybil grinned as she watched her cousins bounce about together. She then sat next to Edward and to toward him now that her cousins were distracted.
"So, what took you all so long?" She asked.
"We were hungry afterward so your grandfather decided that we should stop for some food at a pub," Edward said.
"Donk at a pub?" Sybil asked, wide-eyed. It was quite a humorous mental image to imagine Donk sitting at a pub ordering food. She giggled at the thought. "That must have been the highlight of Donk's day."
"Oh, I think it was," Edward chuckled. "You should have seen his face when they brought out the drinks."
"I can just imagine!" Sybil laughed. "Where is my grandfather now?"
"Downstairs with your family."
Sybil wanted to go downstairs to greet her family but she was worried that she would disrupt whatever conversation they were having. She found it best that the four of them remain upstairs and not go downstairs unless called to do so. "I'll see them later then," she said.
"We ought to go out all together tomorrow!" George said as the song ended and the dancing between him and Marigold ceased.
"Yes, let's!" Marigold said as she tried to catch her breath.
"Where would we go?" Sybil asked, leaving Edward and going to gramophone to remove the record.
"I don't know," George began, "How about the cinema? There's a new one in York, I heard. Edward, you have the newspaper in your coat pocket, don't you? Check for us, will you?"
"Oh, alright," Edward said as he pulled out today's newspaper from his coat pocket. He opened up the paper and began to search for a list of films in the cinema. Sybil returned to her seat next to him leaned a bit closer so that she could find the section on films, as well.
"I found it," Edward said as he gazed over the articles and listings. "There's a movie called The Four Feathers that was just released."
"Who's in it?" Marigold asked.
"John Clements," Sybil began to read, "Ralph Richardson, June Duprez…"
"C. Aubrey Smith," Edward finished. He and Sybil looked at Marigold for her reaction to the names.
"I'm not too familiar with those names," Marigold admitted. "But, I know that when I see their faces, I may recognize them."
"What's it about?" George asked.
"From the summary here, it seems to be about an officer in the British army, who resigns and has to prove himself to not be a coward in a fight against rebels in Egypt," Edward said as he read from the newspaper. Marigold sighed loudly and crossed her arms.
"So it's about war? I don't want to see a war film."
"Why? They're exciting. We never get to see films like that. You and Sybil would always drag me to see your films about romance and dancing. Oh, and I always go with you to see those films about that little girl with the curly hair! Do you think those are entertaining to me? No." George scoffed.
"Her name is Shirley Temple," Marigold said matter-of-factly. "And her movies are so fun! Besides, I've gone with you to see a war movie. We saw All Quiet on the Western Front, remember?"
"But you must agree that that was a good movie," George said, looking at Edward and Sybil to agree with him.
"I suppose," Sybil said with a shrug.
"I just don't want to see a film filled with violence. How about a comedy? Any Chaplin or Laurel and Hardy?" Marigold asked as she wandered over to Edward and Sybil to look at the newspaper.
"I'm afraid not," Edward said and gave Marigold an apologetic look.
"Fine," Marigold pouted. "We'll see the feather movie."
"Good!" George celebrated by putting another record on and lounging on the sofa.
"The next Shirley Temple film that comes out, you're seeing it with me," Marigold said to him as she sat down.
"That's fair," George smiled mischievously.
Going to the cinema would be a great outing for the four of them, Sybil thought. It was certainly part of her goal for the week, which was making memories with the people who matter the most in her life.
"I have an idea for what we should all do tomorrow afternoon," Donk announced during dinner later that night.
"What should we do, dear?" Sybil's grandmother asked. All eyes were on Donk now as he proudly spoke his idea. "I think we should take family portraits together outside if the weather permits. Our lives are changing and George and Sybbie are to leave Downton soon so I want to capture us as a whole family. What do you think of that?"
"That's a wonderful idea, Papa," Edith said. "Are we to hire a photographer?"
"No, we have a camera and we don't use it as often as we should," Donk began, "I was hoping Mr. Trent would take our photographs. Are you familiar with how to work a camera?"
Sybil looked across the table at Edward, who was more than willing to be their photographer tomorrow.
"I would say that I am. It would be an honor to photograph your family."
"Excellent! Thank you, my boy," Donk said with a nod and continued to eat his dinner.
"But then Mr. Trent won't be in the pictures, dear," Grandmother Cora said, sounding as though she were scolding Donk.
"I'm sure he doesn't mind, Cora. He's not family. I hope that doesn't offend you, Trent," Donk said.
Edward shook his head. "It's quite alright, Lord and Lady Grantham. It would be odd of me to be in the family portrait," he said with a smile and then downcasted his eyes to his plate to alleviate himself from the awkwardness of the conversation.
"There, Cora, you see? He is perfectly content with just being our photographer."
Sybil felt her father glance at her before continuing his dinner. Sybil must have appeared bothered at the conversation of Edward not being included, but why did she feel this way? They were right, after all, she thought. Edward was not family so having him in the portrait would not make any sense. Sybil quietly sighed and began lightly stabbing the potatoes on her plate with her fork.
Marigold set down her fork and cleared her throat to speak. "Oh, we wanted to ask your permission to go to the cinema in York tomorrow," she said shyly.
"Who is 'we'?" Donk asked.
"George, Sybil, Edward, and me," Marigold said with a smile.
"That sounds fun," Uncle Bertie said, hoping that they would be granted permission to have the opportunity to spend time out together.
"You have our permission," Aunt Mary said as she sipped her wine. She had been very quiet all evening and was obviously distracted by something. Sybil knew she was just as upset now as she was this morning, even more so now, maybe, since George had returned.
"Indeed. Mr. Crewe shall take you," Donk said, finishing off his potatoes.
Edward looked up from his plate and to Lord Grantham. "If it's alright with you, Lord Grantham, I would be more than willing to drive us."
"And what if you can't find your way here like you couldn't last night?" Donk asked, his eyebrow raised.
"Donk, that was an accident," Sybil said, reliving the entire incident in her head.
Edward felt guilty for having Lord Grantham and Sybil's father drive out to York late at night in the rain to help him and Sybil. It was an accident that the map had been misplaced and he was sure he would never come across a situation such as that ever again. He hoped to just convince Lord Grantham of the same and regain his trust. "Lord Grantham, I can assure you that that will never happen again. You can trust that I shall get your grandchildren to York safely and back to Downton Abbey safely. Sybil shall keep the map since she is obviously more responsible than I."
Sybil repressed a smile. "Yes, the map shall remain with me."
Donk pondered on the possibility of allowing Edward to drive his grandchildren to York. If the map were to become lost again, he knew he would be positively livid. However, after a sip of his wine, he was convinced that the incident would not happen twice and that Edward would surely be more responsible this time. "Fine, you may take them."
Marigold, George, Sybil, and Edward all seemed to relax in their seats at the same time. "Thank you, Lord Grantham," Edward said with a gracious smile.
"Under one condition," Donk began, "I want one of you to telephone Downton Abbey when you arrive in York and when you are leaving."
"Of course, we will, Donk," George said. "You won't need to worry about us at all."
"Well, I'll always worry about you children but I can be a little more at ease when I know that you are all safe. I'll worry especially when you and Sybbie leave," Donk said with a sigh.
"When does George leave again? I know Tom told me that Sybil is leaving this Saturday," Aunt Edith said, looking around the table for someone to answer. Aunt Mary shot her a glare, clearly not wanting the subject to be brought up.
"Two weeks," Henry said since no one had spoken up immediately. "That's what they told him when he enlisted."
George nodded. "I can't wait, really. Imagine how I'll look in uniform."
"Very handsome, I'm sure, darling," Grandmother Cora said with a sad smile.
"Thank you, Grandmother," George grinned. "Of course, those two weeks will be up before I know it. I'll probably be packing the day I day I leave," he laughed. "I can't wait to learn how to shoot a rifle! Perhaps I'll even drive a tank or learn how to use a machine gun! Command my own battalion, maybe! I-"
"Stop it!"
Silence fell upon everyone as Mary stood from her seat, with tears falling down her face. "I can't bear it!" She sobbed as she threw her napkin down at her plate and hastily left the room.
"Darling?" Henry stood from her chair and watched her leave. He called after George to follow him as he followed his wife.
"Mother? Mother, please!" George immediately stood, left the table, and followed after his parents. Sybil and her family could hear him begging his mother to not be so upset as he followed up upstairs. Everyone at the table had pained expressions on their faces as they could do nothing to help George or Mary.
"They'll be alright," Donk said, trying to comfort his family. He soon finished up his wine and stood. "Shall we retire to the Drawing Room?"
"I think that's a good idea," Sybil's father said as he stood. The rest of the family, along with Edward, soon vacated the dining room and found themselves in the Drawing Room just staring at one another in an awkward silence, obviously to find out if anything can be heard between Mary and George upstairs.
"Why are we all sitting around doing nothing?" Aunt Edith asked as she crossed her legs.
"We ought to busy ourselves," Cora sighed. "They are only talking. We don't need to try to listen. We can't even hear them."
Sybil, who was not focused on listening for voices upstairs, was closely seated next to Edward, and their knees were lightly tapping back and forth against one another. The others in the room may have been unaware of their gestures, and to Sybil, it was a small yet intimate moment which caused her to forget all others in the room and only feel the contentedness she felt being with Edward.
"We should listen to music on the gramophone. We have one in here too!" Marigold smiled and went to the gramophone in the corner. "There's a record already here. Can we play it, please, Donk?"
"Oh, I don't see why not. Yes, let's have a little dance," Donk said and extended his hand out to his wife. "Care for a dance, my dear?"
Sybil's grandmother smiled and took his hand. "Of course, darling."
The music soon began to play and the room was filled with the sound of lively swing.
Edward swiftly stood and held his hand out to Sybil. "May I have this dance?"
"You may," Sybil blushed. The two danced with one another while Aunt Edith began dancing with her husband. Marigold watched from the gramophone and clapped her hands along with the beat of the music until Sybil's father asked her to dance. "Oh, you all look so lovely! We should dance more often! Why is it we never dance?" She said as she danced with her uncle.
Sybil laughed and allowed her eyes to meet Edward's. The two stared into each other's eyes as they swayed with the music. "I'm going to miss dancing with you," she said quietly.
Edward's frowned. "I'm going to miss it too," he said. "But we shall dance again. When I return to Downton, we shall dance together. This I promise."
"How can you make promises like that in times like this? I've been making promises and I feel as though the future will not allow me to keep them," Sybil whispered to him so the others could not hear. Edward lifted his hand and began to stroke Sybil's cheek. His touch was gentle which calmed Sybil, but she waited for his response with anxiousness.
"I make promises such as that because I believe all that I say to you. I feel in my heart that after this week we shall meet again and continue on as we are, don't you?"
Sybil nodded. She did feel that Edward would not disappear from her life once they both went their separate ways, but if that feeling were wrong, Sybil would not know what to do. "I hope so."
"I know so," Edward smiled and lightly kissed the top of Sybil's head. "Now, don't be upset; the others are bound to notice."
"That song is very hard to dance to!" Donk said suddenly, causing Edward and Sybil to look over at him. Sybil chuckled at her grandfather because she knew that swing was not his favorite type of music, especially when it came to dancing.
"Another song!" Marigold announced as a new song began to play.
Their grandmother left Donk's side and returned to the sofa. "I'm done dancing for the night. I'm not as young as I used to be. Everyone should switch partners."
"Ah, very well, darling," Donk said. "Marigold, come dance with me."
"Alright!" Marigold cheered as she ran towards Donk and put her arms around him.
"May I dance with you, Sybbie?" Sybil's father asked her. Sybil looked at Edward, who urged her to go. "Anytime, Papa," she said happily.
Edward smiled as he watched Sybil begin to dance with her father. The scene reminded him of how he used to dance with his mother around the house when he was a little boy. As much as he enjoyed being at Downton and spending time with Sybil, he missed his mother and couldn't wait to see her. He even wished he could take Sybil to his home to meet his mother. She would adore her. They are both hard-working, caring, and kind women that meant a lot to Edward. Perhaps someday the two shall meet, Edward thought.
"I suppose you don't mind dancing with me, do you, Mr. Trent?" Sybil's aunt, Edith, asked him rather shyly. Edward smiled a charming smile at her. "Not at all, Lady Edith, that is, if your husband does not mind."
"One dance," Bertie smiled before joining Cora on the settee. Edward slightly bowed to Edith as he gave her his hand. Edith graciously took it and began to dance with him. Sybil watched from over her father's shoulder and sighed happily.
"Aw, Edward is dancing with Aunt Edith," she whispered to her father.
"How sweet," her father whispered back. "What did you do today, darling?"
"Well, I went to the hospital again. I befriended a young patient there and I wanted to stop in and see her again today. After that, I returned home and spent the rest of the afternoon with my cousins, and Edward, upstairs listening to music and talking. And you, Papa? I heard you went to a pub today with Donk."
"We did," her father chuckled. "Your grandfather was quite hungry and it was approaching the time we eat, anyway, so we stopped at a pub and he found the experience quite fun, I think. He's been to pubs before, I know, but not like this one. It was more modern."
Sybil laughed. "Imagine him going to a diner back home in America? He could try cinnamon toast for the first time! Or fried chicken!"
"Or a hamburger," her father said, amused with the idea of Lord Grantham's confusion if he were to be served a hamburger or fried chicken.
"Are you talking about me?" Donk asked as he and Marigold danced near them.
"Unfortunately, yes, Donk," Sybil admitted with a grin. "How would you feel if you were served fried chicken?"
Donk tilted his head slightly in confusion. "What on earth?"
"There's our answer, Papa," Sybil giggled and she looked back at her father.
Once the song had finished, Donk decided that he had had enough of dancing, not wanting to admit his tiredness due to his age, and instead insisted that he and the men have a drink together, as was the tradition after dinner. Sybil's grandmother and aunt promptly said their goodnights and retired upstairs, while Sybil lingered behind with Marigold to say their goodnights. "Goodnight!" Marigold waved as she and Sybil began leaving the room. "Goodnight, girls!" Donk said as he poured himself a glass of brandy.
"Sleep well," Sybil's father said as he sat on the settee. Edward smiled handsomely at Sybil and said a quiet "goodnight" to her as she left the room.
"What a day," Marigold yawned as she went upstairs with Sybil. Sybil glanced at her in confusion and amusement.
"You didn't even do that much today, Marigold," she teased.
"Indeed, I did. I woke up early, wrote, ate, danced - I did all sorts of things today. I can't wait to take our portraits tomorrow! Hopefully, it doesn't rain! I think I shall wear my pink dress with all the flowers printed on it, that'll look nice. Oh, I wish there was a way to make photographs look colorful!"
"There is, isn't there?" Sybil asked, not knowing the exact answer herself. "The portraits will look nice, though, I'm sure."
"They will. Goodnight, then, Sybbie," Marigold said, walking in the direction of her bedroom.
When Sybil returned to her room, she had realized that she did not hear George, Uncle Henry, nor her aunt speaking from within a room. She assumed George would have returned to his room upset and decided to remain in their for the rest of the evening. Sybil felt sorry for her cousin and knew that he did not enjoy being alone and upset and wished for company, which she would gladly give. However, she also knew sometimes George preferred to be alone and if this was one of those times, who was she to disrupt it? She could only hope George and her aunt settled things so that they would not be in poor spirits tomorrow during their photo session.
As Sybil lay in bed that night, she began to wonder if her father felt as helpless as her aunt, Mary, did. She knew that her father would miss her terribly and would prefer it if she would remain with him. He always remained strong and composed when he was with her, though. This must be an extremely stressful time for him as well, Sybil thought. She and her poor father only expected to visit Downton for a month or so and return to Massachusetts; never would they have expected to remain and Sybil take on medical training. Was she being selfish in her decision? Her pondering made her uneasy. The future is definitely most unpredictable, Sybil thought as she turned over onto her side and shut her eyes to sleep.
"Do you think this hat is too much?" Marigold asked into the chilly morning air.
"It looks fine, darling," her mother said. "Here let me fix your hair!"
Edward tried to hold back a laugh as he watched the frenzy that was happening between the family on the lawn of Downton Abbey. The morning sun had made its debut for the day and would soon be leaving to hide behind the clouds again, so everyone was in a hurry to take the photographs in the sunlight. It had been an early morning for all of them and time was not on their side.
"Alright, that's enough fussing with your dresses, ladies. You all look beautiful," Donk said as he helped his wife into a chair in front of him. "Cora shall sit in the middle, Mary on the right, Edith on the left. Marigold stand to the left side behind your mother, George stand to the right side behind your mother too, please. Sybbie, you stand next to Marigold. The rest of us will stand behind."
As Sybil's aunts took their seats, Sybil took her place next to her grandfather and leaned over to see George, Henry, and Mary. Aunt Mary seemed to be in a normal mood and George seemed to be himself. He had already flicked Marigold's hat off as everyone was walking out, which proved to Sybil that he was feeling better.
"Where will my Papa stand?" she asked.
"Oh, Tom, you stand next to me," Donk said as Sybil's father stood beside him. "Are we all ready, Trent? How do we look?"
"I think you all look excellent," Edward said as he tried to find the perfect position to take the photograph from.
"Does my hat look alright?" Marigold asked, which caused her mother to turn back at her in slight annoyance. Her father chuckled.
Edward smiled. "You look lovely, Marigold."
"Enough chatter, Marigold," Aunt Mary scolded. "The sun wants to go away."
"Shall we take it now?" Edward asked.
"Yes, let's," Donk said. "Get ready everyone!"
Edward centered the camera on the tripod and looked through the lens. "I'll count to three! One…"
"Everyone smile," Cora advised quickly as Edward began his countdown.
"Two… Three!"
The bright flash of the camera startled Sybil but she was sure that she remained still for the photograph. She gently rubbed her eyes and looked at Edward. "Do you think that one came out nicely?" She asked.
"I think so, Syb," Edward said. "Shall we take another? We don't have much film, I believe you told me, Lord Grantham. I think we have enough for a few more photos."
"Syb?" Aunt Mary repeated quietly and glanced at Sybil with a smirk. Aunt Mary was definitely feeling herself again. Sybil's face reddened and she pretended to not notice.
"No, I have faith that the photograph will come out fine," Donk began, "How about you take one of my wife and me and our grandchildren, followed by a portrait of my wife and I along with our daughters? We'll take one of Marigold, Edith, and Bert, and George with Henry and Mary, then finally Sybil and Tom."
"Oh, I'd love that, Donk!" Sybil said with glee. She had been wanting to take a portrait with her father for quite some time but the months had been so busy that the thought had slipped her mind. This was the perfect moment to take one so that she could take it with her to St. Margaret's.
"Alright, just the grandchildren first," Donk announced. Their grandmother remained in the chair in the middle, while George was directed to stand at the side of her chair, next to Donk. Sybil sat in Aunt Mary's seat while Marigold sat in her mother's seat.
"What a beautiful photograph that will be," Aunt Edith said as she watched them get situated.
Within minutes, the photograph was taken and Marigold, Sybil, and George left the shot and were replaced by Edith and Mary.
"How are you, George?" Sybil asked her cousin as they stood off to the side.
"Fine," George shrugged. "Why?"
"Well, I was worried about you," Sybil sighed. "After what happened last night, we weren't sure how you and your mother would feel today. What happened, if I may ask?"
George shrugged his shoulders and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "She and Father just talked to me, that's all. I've heard it all before. She's just worried about me and she doesn't want me to ruin my life by going to war."
"How so?" Sybil asked.
"Well, for one, she fears for my life. They both do. Second, she's worried that I'll suffer an injury like my father did. She said any injury could make me immobile. One moment I could be not paying attention and suddenly, I could lose my ability to walk and function, like my father did."
Sybil tilted her head. "But your father recovered miraculously. He was able to walk again, wasn't he?"
"Yes," George said with a nod. "I may not be so lucky, though, she said. I don't really want to focus on it, Sybbie. I don't want to attract any trouble. I'll be fine." George suddenly frowned and downcasted his gaze before returning his gaze to Sybil, seeming to search for a sign of hope. "I will be fine… Yes?"
Sybil felt a chill run up her spine though she wasn't sure if it was caused by the chilling breeze or by George's heartbreaking tone of voice. She placed her hand on his arm and gave him a reassuring smile. "More than fine, George. You'll be a war hero, remember? A war hero who will live to tell his tales once this war is over."
George smiled and Sybil could sense that he wanted to say more but all he could say was a heartfelt thank you. Suddenly, a blur leaped onto George's back with a squeal. "Got you!" Marigold giggled as she placed her arms around her cousin's neck and hung off his back. George was startled, but he would never show his defeat to Marigold. He laughed and held onto Marigold's hands. "What on earth did you do that for?" He asked her, trying to glance over his shoulder to see her.
"That's what you get for flicking my hat off!"
Sybil covered her mouth and she laughed. "Marigold, you're quite the sneaky one."
"Yes, she is," George chuckled. "You should be a spy for England, Marigold."
"I just might be!" Marigold grinned.
Soon, George and Marigold were called to take pictures with their parents. Sybil's attention went from Edward to her family and then back to Edward. Once those pictures were taken, they removed the chairs from the lawn and left one for Sybil and her father.
"Our turn, Papa," Sybil said, wandering over to the chair.
"Good," her father said as he walked over to her.
"How shall we stand? Perhaps you should sit in the chair?"
"Yes, Sybil," her grandmother agreed. "He'll sit in the chair. You can place your hands on his shoulders. I think that would look very nice!"
"I like that," her father said. "How about you, Sybbie?"
"Alright!"
Sybil's father sat in the seat at an angle while her Sybil stood behind his chair, placing her hands on gently onto shoulders. She smiled and looked out at Edward and then to the camera.
"Ready?" Edward asked.
"Ready!" Sybil's father said.
"Ready," Sybil repeated. As she stared at the camera with a smile on her face, she suddenly had a morbid thought that she wished never would have entered her mind. Perhaps this is the last photograph I shall be able to take with Papa. She kept her composure as she kept trying to distract herself by thinking of something other than that horrible thought. Of course, it would not be the last photograph she will be able to take with her father, she thought. How absurd! This war was doing terrible things for her thoughts, she felt.
"Three!"
The unexpected flash brought Sybil back into the moment and she was surprised that she seemed to be temporarily blinded from the flash, however as the seconds went on, she realized that it had nothing to do with the flash, her vision was simply blurred by tears in her eyes.
"Wonderful! I think that one will come out good," her father said as he patted Sybil's hand on his shoulder. "What do you think, my love?"
Sybil nodded and lightly squeezed his shoulder. "Yes, Papa."
Sybil's father already noticed that something was bothering Sybil, and he immediately stood and drew her to him. "What's wrong, darling? Are you alright?"
"Yes, Papa," Sybil said again, not allowing the tears to fall from her eyes. "I'm just happy we took this photograph," she said, smiling at him to prove to not only him but to herself that all was well. She hated that she was always an emotional mess, as of late. She knew she was brave, but her bravery always seemed to flee her when she needed it most. Her father smiled sadly at her and hugged her tightly, understanding what she was feeling.
"I'm happy we took this photograph, as well," he said to her.
"I love you, Papa," Sybil said as she pulled away from him to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"I love you too, Sybbie," her father said and wiped the small tears from her face with his thumb. "There, the tears are gone."
"Everything alright?" Donk asked them.
"Yes, Sybil's eyes are just sensitive from the flash," Sybil's father said with confidence. Sybil smiled and nodded in agreement while she gently patted her face with the back of her hand.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Donk said. "Well, we ought to return inside. Everyone is cold and the sun seems to only have a few minutes left. George, will you take the chairs, please?"
"Aye, Sir!" George ran over and began to stack the chairs while Donk went to Edward to thank him for taking the photographs. Marigold, her mother, and father, and aunt,and uncle were already on their way back inside Downton Abbey. Donk and George soon followed after, carrying the chairs, while Edward was about to begin taking the camera off the tripod.
"Edward, wait," Tom said. "Don't put the camera away just yet."
Edward stopped and both he and Sybil looked at her father with slight confusion. "Why not, Mr. Branson?" Edward asked. "Would you like me to take another photograph of you two? There's film for one more."
"No, I want you and Sybbie to take a photograph together," Sybil's father said. Sybil's mouth fell open a bit in shock while Edward looked equally as shocked at the request. Soon, shock became happiness for both of them.
"It would be an honor. Thank you," Edward smiled.
"You're welcome," Sybil's father said and went to the camera. "I've used one of these before. I'll take it of the two of you."
"Thank you, Papa!" Sybil exclaimed, feeling overjoyed at the idea. Edward watched her, feeling such care and strong emotion for her. Together, they walked some distance away from the camera. "How shall we pose?" He asked her.
"I don't know," Sybil said. "We don't have the chair."
"Ready?" Sybil's father asked.
"Not yet, Papa. We don't know what to do," Sybil laughed.
"I have an idea," Edward said after a few moments of thinking. He extended her arm out to her. "You can hold onto my arm."
"How informal of us," Sybil blushed as she placed her hand through his arm. "This is like a wedding portrait," she said, immediately regretting saying so. She heard Edward laugh but she couldn't look up to see his face due to her father being ready to take the picture already.
"It is, isn't it?" She heard Edward ask.
"Alright, don't move," Sybil's father said from behind the camera. "One… Two… Three!"
The photograph was taken and Sybil could relax again. "I can't wait to see that one," she said to Edward.
"Neither can I," he smiled. "Thank you for photographing us," Edward said as Sybil's father walked over to him and shook his hand. "It was a pleasure, Edward. Will you help me with the camera, please?"
"Of course," Edward said and immediately went to the camera.
"I'll go inside now," Sybil said, hugging her arms to herself. "It's getting quite cold."
"Yes, darling," her father said. "We'll be right there."
Sybil nodded and soon began to walk away toward Downton Abbey. She couldn't resist turning around to see Edward and was surprised that at that same moment, Edward was also looking back at her while Sybil's father was handling the tripod. They both smiled at one another and turned away. The grin on Sybil's face remained as she began to walk at a quicker pace. By the time she had entered Downton Abbey, she was almost unconsciously skipping through the entrance hall.
After a quick lunch in the afternoon, George and Edward thought it would be a wise decision to begin the drive to York. The rain had not come and did not seem to be making an appearance that day, so the family was grateful for that. Sybil and Marigold were upstairs retrieving their coats and purses while Edward and George were downstairs with Donk being given a map and were being told of how to get to York and return to Downton, as well as a way to contact them when they arrived. "Now, I don't know what you'll do about dinner," Donk said.
"Oh, I was assuming we would eat once we get to York before we get to the cinema," George said. "I have money, Donk, so I'll pay for it. I don't want the girls paying for it."
"I'll pitch in, as well," Edward said.
"Good men," Donk said with a nod. "Always have your eyes on the girls, I don't want anything to happen to them nor to you. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Oh, and remember to give Sybil the map to keep in her purse."
"I'll remind them," Sybil said as she left the staircase with Marigold. "As a matter of fact," she began, "I'll take it right now so we can be sure no one forgets." Sybil held out her hand and was given the map by Edward. She then placed the map in her purse and closed the clasp. "It won't be able to fall out of there."
"Let's hope so," Donk said. "Trent," he said, turning to Edward. "I'm trusting you. You're driving my grandchildren to York and if anything happens to them, I don't know what I'd do."
"He'd probably send you to the Tower of London," George smirked.
Edward gave George a brief glare and then faced Donk. "You need not worry, Lord Grantham. I have confidence that we will all be safe and have an enjoyable evening."
Donk nodded curtly and sighed. "Well, you all best be off then."
"Bye-bye, Donk!" Marigold said, hugging him, followed by Sybil.
"Please don't spend all night pacing around worrying," Sybil said to him. "Enjoy your evening, as well. We shall telephone here once we get to York."
"I know, I know."
"Goodbye, Sybil," Sybil's father said as he wandered over with Sybil's aunts and uncles. "Enjoy yourself. You'll have to tell me all about the film tomorrow."
"Oh, and me too!" Aunt Edith said as she hugged Marigold.
"I definitely will," Sybil remarked.
The car was parked and ready for them outside, thanks to Mr. Crewe. After saying their goodbyes, Sybil, Marigold, George, and Edward rushed out to the car. George opened the car door for Marigold and Sybil, but Sybil was expecting to sit in the front seat with Edward; she did have the map, after all.
"I have the map," Sybil reminded George. "I should sit in the front with Edward."
"But I can't sit in the back of the car," George scoffed. "I'm a man! Ladies always sit in the back seat."
"Who made up that silly rule?" Sybil asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I don't know. It's just the way it always is. I'll take the map."
Sybil couldn't fight stubborn George on this one. With a groan, she decided to let him have his way and give up the passenger seat. It was his favorite place to sit, anyway. "Fine," Sybil said, reaching into her purse and giving him the map. "Please do not lose it. Donk will have our heads. Return it to me once we reach York."
"Yes, yes," George said as Sybil slid into the back seat next to Marigold. "Besides, it's much safer in the back of the car, anyway," he said.
Marigold leaned over toward the open car door. "That's not necessarily true, George. Did you know-" George closed the car door before Marigold could continue her lecture. She sighed and leaned back against the seat. "Hmph."
"Oh, don't worry, Marigold," Sybil said, patting her cousin's hand. "We're fine back here.."
Once Edward and George were in the front of the car, the map was unfolded and a quick way to York was being discussed between the two of them. "When do you think we shall arrive?" Marigold asked, leaning forward so that she can be heard more clearly.
"It shouldn't take us too long," Edward said to her. "However, it is quite a drive. Once we arrive there, I think we should have to eat dinner somewhere and then go to the cinema. The movie isn't playing until the evening, so we shall have enough time."
"Perfect," Sybil said. "Let's be on our way, then."
Edward glanced at her through the rearview mirror with a small smile and she happily returned the same to him. He soon began to drive and Marigold quickly looked out from the window at her home. "Goodbye, Downton Abbey! I shall see you later tonight!"
"Marigold, stop talking to our home," George laughed. Marigold sighed and reached over to lightly hit his arm. "You leave me be," she giggled.
"So, our main objective of tonight is not getting ourselves into any sort trouble. We have dinner, go to the cinema, and then leave," Edward said as they approached the open gates of the estate.
"Oh, no pub after?" George asked.
"George!" Sybil laughed.
"I'm only joking," George grinned. "Edward is right, though. I mean, you and Edward have been causing a lot of trouble anyway with your mischief."
"That's enough, George," Sybil sighed. "And so have you!"
"Not as much, though," George said, winking at her through the rearview mirror.
Sybil playfully glared at him and leaned against her seat. She watched the trees come and go as they drove past them and out the gates of Downton Abbey. She did not know if the outing would go exactly as planned, but all that mattered to her at that moment was to make lasting memories with her cousins and Edward. This may be, after all, the last outing she would have with all three of them for quite some time.
