The four had made it safely to York and had encountered no trouble along the way, thankfully. As planned, the four stopped at a small café to have an early dinner before going to the cinema.
"Oh, what a cozy place," Marigold noted aloud as she took in the atmosphere of the quaint café.
"It is a nice place, isn't it? Hopefully, the food here is good," George said as he pulled Marigold's chair out for her.
"I love the art on the wall," Sybil said as she studied a painting of a cottage in front of a forest, hanging on the wall. "It reminds me of home. George, don't forget to call Downton and tell them we've safely arrived."
"Oh, yes," George nodded. "Thank you for reminding me."
"Had you forgotten?" Edward asked with a raised brow as he pulled out Sybil's chair. Sybil sat with a smile on her face.
"I'd rather not know the answer to that question," she smirked. Edward chuckled and sat next to her, leaving the seat across from him, next to Marigold, empty for George.
"I'm going to go and do that right now," George said. "If the waiter comes, order me a drink. I'll be right back."
Marigold watched her cousin leave and sighed deeply. "It's nice to get away from home for a bit, isn't it? I can't wait for The Four Feathers! I hope I like it. I wasn't very convinced yesterday but I'm going to go to the cinema with an open mind."
"That's a good idea, Marigold," Sybil smiled and reached across the table to pat her hand.
Less than a minute later, a waiter approached their table to ask them what they wanted to drink. Wanting to be wary toward the amount of alcohol they may drink tonight, Edward decided to order one bottle of champagne for him, Sybil, and George to share, along with glasses of water for them. Marigold ordered a hot chocolate as she was too young to share a drink with her cousins and friend.
"Edward, do you still have the map?" Sybil asked once the waiter left. Edward nodded and took the map from his coat pocket. "I've got it," he said.
"Where it should have been," Sybil smiled as she took the map and gingerly slipped it into her purse. She closed the clutch and hoped that that is where it would remain. "When was the last time you went to the cinema, Edward?"
"Oh, let me think," Edward said, trying to recall what he had last seen in the cinema. "I believe the last time was when I saw The Adventures of Robin Hood. Yes, that was it."
Marigold gasped and covered her mouth. "The one with Errol Flynn?" She asked quietly, leaning forward as if she were asking something very private.
Edward smirked and leaned forward a bit and spoke in the same hushed tones. "I believe so," Edward answered with a light shrug. "I'm not too good with names of actors. Why?"
"Because he is so handsome!" Marigold giggled, her hushed tones becoming louder.
"Shh, Marigold. People are trying to enjoy their dinner," Sybil laughed.
"Saying Errol Flynn's name won't ruin their appetites," Marigold said, waving her napkin at Sybil.
"No, but it may make the ladies in this restaurant forget the men they are dining with," Sybil said. The waiter suddenly appeared at their table and brought a champagne bottle and glasses for them.
"Oh, thank you," Edward said as the waiter began to pour the champagne. "So, Sybil," Edward began, turning his body slightly toward Sybil. "Do you find this Errol Flynn as handsome as your cousin does?"
Sybil blushed and tried to suppress a laugh. She knew that Edward was only teasing her and she was not ashamed of telling him the truth. "Yes, I do," she said with confidence. "But I actually know a young man who I find much more handsome than any actor," she said, holding eye contact with Edward while she held out her empty glass to the waiter. Edward smiled and opened his mouth to say something but George returned to the table outwardly pleased to see the champagne being poured for them.
"Champagne? That's perfect, good choice, Edward," George grinned as he sat next to Marigold. "And what on earth are you drinking, Marigold?"
"Hot chocolate," Marigold smiled. "Doesn't it look delicious? Look at all that whipped cream."
George eyed the mug, that was filled to the top with whipped cream, like a hungry lion. "Yes, look at it," he said, immediately picking up his spoon and taking some whipped cream from the mug.
"George!" Marigold scolded and slapped his arm with her napkin.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," George said, proud of his daring endeavor.
The waiter cleared his throat and stood stiffly in front of them. "Have you had a chance to look at the menu yet?"
"Oh, no, we haven't. I'm sorry," Sybil said as they all quickly picked up their menus and speedily read through them.
"I think I'll have the vegetable soup with bread, please," Sybil said. Marigold, who was too overwhelmed with the choices, nodded at the waiter. "I'll have the same."
"And I'll have the steak with potatoes, please," Edward said as he collected Sybil's menu. George announced that he will have the same and the waiter swiftly left the table to place their orders. "Well," Edward laughed. "I hope we all enjoy our diverse choice of meals."
"Very diverse," George repeated and picked up his champagne glass. "Shall we toast to something?"
Sybil smiled and raised her glass. "Yes, let's. What shall we toast to?"
"Oh, let's each say something to toast to," Marigold said as she carefully raised her piping hot whipped cream filled mug. "George, you start."
"Alright, I toast to the future. Marigold?"
"Hm, I toast to family," she smiled.
"I'll make a toast to the evening so that we can all have a wonderful time," Sybil said. She looked at Edward as he began to say what he will be toasting to.
"I toast to friendship," he said, smiling handsomely. "You three have made this stay at Downton one of the best visits. We've had our share of adventures during the time we have been together. I may be leaving Thursday but I cherish each of you and am grateful for the friendship you have shown to me. So, here is to our friendship."
"Here, here! Well said," George cheered as the three champagne glasses and mug clinked together, causing whipped cream to fall onto the floral centerpiece of the table. Sybil smiled sadly as she pulled her glass away after the toast. She quickly took the first sip of her drink and set her glass down on the table. She then looked across the table at Marigold, who now had whipped cream all over her mouth, which provided some comic relief for Sybil and her thoughts.
"I had forgotten that you were leaving this week too, Edward," Marigold said as she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. Edward nodded as he set his glass down.
"Yes, I'm returning home to see my mother before I leave for training. Ah, George, how did the telephone call to Downton go?" He asked, not wanting the focus of the evening to be about his, Sybil's, and George's gradual departure from Downton Abbey.
"Oh, fine," George answered. "Uncle Tom answered and said they were about to go in for dinner but that he would tell them all that we had arrived safely. He wished us a great evening."
Sybil smiled as she listened and rested her hand on the table next to Edward's hand. Through her peripheral vision, she saw Edward's hand move slightly closer to hers. She lightly sighed and briefly watched the couples at the surrounding tables. There was a young couple who were leaning forward across the table and the young man was quietly telling something to the giggling and blushing young woman. At the table next to them, an older couple was talking and laughing with one another. Sybil noted that they must have been married for quite some time but there was still love in their eyes when they spoke to one another. The whole scene made her think of her father and how he wished that he could have grown older with her mother. Sybil was sure that after ten, twenty, forty years, they would have still been so in love with one another. Sybil wanted exactly that for herself.
"It's sort of odd that our country is at war," Marigold after a brief moment of silence at their table.
"What do you mean?" George asked with great interest.
"Well, our country has declared war on Germany and yet, there hasn't been any reason for it," Marigold said carefully. "We're not getting attacked here. What I'm trying to say is that it doesn't feel like we are at war. Since war was declared, it's been a normal day every day since then."
"Marigold," George huffed. "The Nazis are in Poland and I'm sure they won't stop there. If they don't come here, which I'm sure they will, we still need to be out there helping our allies."
"Times like these are unpredictable," Edward added. "If we don't help other countries defend themselves, how can we expect anyone to do the same for us if needed?"
Marigold nodded in understanding. "How would the Nazis even get here? Would they even come here?" She asked in a whisper.
"I don't know how they would come here but they most likely will find a way. Perhaps airplanes or ships," Edward said. "During the Great War, London was bombed. My mother told me that my father had been in London during one of the raids, but he was safe during it all. That was before they sent him to the trenches."
Sybil could feel the sadness coming through Edward's voice as he spoke about his father. She placed her hand over his hand and lightly squeezed it. He gazed at her and she read the thanks in his eyes. She nodded in response and slowly removed her hand from his. "Those were horrible times," she said.
Marigold's eyes widened as her mind filled with what she imagined the Great War London raid to be like. George noticed this and immediately placed his arm around his cousin to comfort her. "Hey, don't worry, Marigold," he chuckled. "You and the family will be safe at Downton Abbey and the rest of us will be safe away from London should the same thing happen."
"I've read that they were starting to evacuate children from London because everyone is afraid that it will happen again," Edward said.
"Sybil is going to be in London," Marigold quaked. Sybil stared at her cousin and forced a laugh, which ended up being filled with nervousness.
"Marigold, I'll be alright," she said trying to sound confident. "Besides, there are places in hospitals to take shelter in case anything like that does happen."
"That's true," Edward nodded.
"But, what if you're not in the hospital?" Marigold asked, her eyes starting to well up with tears.
Sybil sighed. "Marigold-"
"Here is your dinner," the waiter announced as he brought a tray of food to the table. He distributed the dinner plates to the correct person and filled their glasses with the leftover champagne in their bottle. Sybil, grateful for the distraction, immediately began to cool down her soup and take meager sips.
"This looks good, doesn't it?" George asked as he began to cut his tender steak. No one responded to his question but he did get a nod from Edward as he cut his. Marigold began to lazily dip her bread into her soup. She felt guilty for bringing up the subject and especially guilty for mentioning that Sybil could be in great danger if she left for London. She could sense that the aura of her cousins and friend changed and that was not what she wanted to happen. She stared at her food sadly as she ate, while the others ate in silence.
When they had finished eating, Edward offered to pay for his and Sybil's dinner while George paid for his own dinner along with Marigold's. The four silently walked out of the café into the chilly night. "Oh my, it's cold!" Marigold cried as she hugged herself. It was the first thing she had said since their dinner arrived.
"Yes, I should have brought a thicker coat," Sybil said to her, happy that there was something to talk about again. In front of them, George and Edward muttered something to one another, which caused George to turn to the girls with a mischievous grin.
"Well," he began, "we don't want to girls to be cold on the walk to the car. I have challenged Edward to a race to see who can get to the car first. Quick, Marigold, jump onto my back!" George turned around and Marigold, who seemed like the excited little girl she was, jumped onto her cousin's back without hesitation.
"I used to love it when you would race around Downton with me on your back! Remember when we almost fell down the stairs?" She asked as she put her arms around his neck.
"That was only a few years ago and I don't know why we find that so funny," George laughed. "Alright, Sybbie, now you get on Edward's back!"
Sybil looked shyly at Edward, wondering if he even wanted to carry her around on his back. Edward smiled and turned around for Sybil. She reluctantly plopped herself onto his back lightly and held onto him. When he stood up straight, Sybil held on tightly, not realizing how tall he was. Edward quickly brought Sybil's legs in front of him and held them around his waist. He reddened at the contact hoping that Sybil wouldn't mind; she didn't mind but she was blushing madly.
"Ready?" George asked, clearly excited at the whole ordeal. "The car is straight ahead. The last ones to the car have to buy the tickets at the cinema!"
"What?!" Marigold screeched. "I don't have any money with me, George!"
"We're going to win, Marigold. You don't need money," George laughed. "Ready?... Go!" George bolted away with Marigold while Edward followed. Sybil laughed while Edward caught up with George.
"Don't fall!" She said to him. "I wouldn't want to topple over into the street!"
"We won't!" She heard Edward say. Marigold was screaming in glee as George ran as fast as he could. Edward tried to catch up, but Sybil knew she wasn't as light as Marigold was, due to being taller than her. Onlookers watched the four of them run and either judged the severely for acting like children or laughed at the sight.
"Yes!" George yelled in victory as he reached the car with Marigold. She slid off his back and jumped up and down. "We did it!"
Edward slowed down and shook his head at them. "Well, Syb, we lost."
"I'm sorry," Sybil laughed. "I'm not as light as Marigold is."
"Oh, that doesn't matter," Edward said. "You're perfect."
Sybil blushed and rested her head lightly on his shoulder until they reached the car. "So we have to buy tickets then?" She asked as she slid off of Edward's back and adjusted her skirt.
"That's right," George answered. "Sorry, Edward."
"That's fine." Edward opened the car door for the girls before going to the driver's seat. Since they had passed by the cinema on their way to the café, the map was no longer needed until the drive back to Downton.
The cinema was a small one but there were lights and large film posters all over, just as Sybil imagined the ones in Hollywood to be like. There weren't too many people waiting outside of the theater, which was a good sign because that meant that they could acquire good seating. "I'll go get the tickets," Edward said as the four walked across the street to the cinema. "Sybil, would you like to join me?"
"Yes," Sybil said, leaving Marigold and George waiting near the entrance of the cinema.
"They like each other a lot, don't they?" Marigold asked as she watched Sybil and Edward walk to the ticket booth together.
"They do," George said. "I never would have thought that my best friend, Edward Trent, would end up being Sybbie's beau. It's a bit odd, isn't it?"
"What's odd about it? I think it was all meant to be," Marigold sighed, her head filled with the plots of romance novels she had read in the past. "It's all so romantic. Do you think they'll ever get married?"
"Marigold!" George chuckled. "Married? No, no, they are too young. Edward just turned twenty-two and Sybil is nineteen… Well, I suppose they are of marrying age, but not now, Marigold. They've only spent time together during this short time she's been at Downton. That would be rushing into things. I'm sure Uncle Tom nor Donk would approve."
"You're right," Marigold pouted. "Sybbie wouldn't even want to get married now, I think. Maybe someday then? Do you want to get married someday, George? I do."
"To that farm boy?"
Marigold glared at George but ended up smiling at him shyly. "I don't know."
"Hm. I want to get married someday, I think. I just haven't met the right girl yet," George said, remembering all the girls he attempted to woo during school. He chuckled at the memory and put his arm around Marigold. "Whoever is meant to be in our lives will come at the right time. Now, let's not talk about it anymore. They best hurry up with those tickets because I'm going to freeze out here."
Sybil looked through her purse for money to pay for her ticket as she and Edward waited behind a couple in line. Edward watched her and tilted his head. "What are you doing?" He asked.
"Oh, just looking for my money. I'm going to pay for mine and Marigold's ticket."
"No, you're not, Sybil. I'm paying for the tickets. It's the gentlemanly thing to do. Please, close your purse. I want to pay for them," he smiled. Sybil sighed and closed her purse.
"Fine," she said. "You keep paying for everything during your stay at Downton. I'll have to make that up to you."
"We'll see," Edward grinned and went up to the ticket booth once the couple in front of them left. Sybil stood closely next to him for warmth and watched the people near them. She could see Marigold and George talking to one another by the entrance. She caught Marigold's eye and the two waved at one another before Marigold continued talking to George about something she seemed to have a great interest in.
"There, I have the tickets," Edward said as he left the ticket booth with Sybil. "I hope the movie isn't too long. I want us to return to Downton at a reasonable hour."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Sybil said. "We have to remind George to call Downton Abbey before we start our way back there, as well."
"Can we go in now?" Marigold asked as Edward and Sybil approached them.
"Yes, we can." Edward passed out everyone's tickets and entered the cinema with them. Their ticket stubs were handled and they were given directions on where to go to see the film. The room where they were to see the film had many seats, which were not all filled due to the lack of people at the cinema this evening. There were couples and groups of people scattered here and there around the room, but George saw a row of seats near the back that they could sit in and decided that those seats were perfect for them. Edward slid into the row first, followed by Sybil, Marigold, and lastly, George. The four sat down and were surprised at how comfortable the seats were.
"This feels so nice," George said. "I may just fall asleep."
"Please don't," Marigold begged. "I don't want to hear you snore in my ear while I try to watch."
George looked at her with a puzzled expression. "I don't snore."
"Yes, you do," Marigold simply said and turned toward Sybil. "I'm so excited."
"Me too," Sybil smiled and looked at Edward. "We picked a good day to come here, didn't we?"
"Yes, we did. I've never been to the cinema when it was this empty."
Minutes later, the room went dark and the film began to project onto the screen. Sybil leaned back slightly in her seat as the opening war-like tune began the opening credits. She heard Marigold whisper something to George, followed by him responding with a loud shush. Sybil smiled in the dark and looked up at the film. She soon felt an arm slowly slide around her shoulders. She looked to her left at Edward, who was smiling shyly at her. "I hope that's alright," he whispered to her. "If you would rather watch the movie without-"
"It's perfectly alright," Sybil smiled and rested her head against on shoulder. Edward relaxed his shoulders and smiled contentedly as his eyes made their way back to the movie screen. It was moments such as this that would lift his spirits while he was away at war. In two days, it was going to be Thursday, September 14th, and these were his final days to create any more memorable moments with Sybil, George, Marigold, and their family at Downton Abbey.
The film ended a little over two hours later, and Marigold began to express her liking of the film as soon as it was time to leave the cinema. "Oh, that was quite a good movie!" Marigold yawned. "I actually liked it! I didn't think I would, but I did. I particularly liked the love story."
George stood from his seat and stretched his arms out. "I enjoyed it. It just shows what trouble you can get into when you resign from the army, doesn't it?"
"There was much more to it than that," Marigold laughed.
Sybil rubbed her eyes and stood from her seat, feeling the relief in her legs from standing. "I really liked it. What about you, Edward?"
"I did," Edward said as he stood. His arm felt a bit sore from having it around Sybil during the entire film, but he did not mind it that much. He checked his watch as he followed Sybil, Marigold, and George out of the row of seats. "It's late," Edward said. "George, you should find a telephone and call Downton Abbey to tell them we're going to be driving back now."
"Will do," George said.
The sky was as black as pitch when they exited the cinema. The air was as cold as before and the four of them were not looking forward to standing around while they waited for George to find a telephone. Marigold stood closely next to Sybil and lightly jumped up and down in her small heels. "It's so cold!" Marigold squealed. George turned to his cousins and saw their cheeks redden from the fierce cold air.
"Ah, Edward, will you take the girls to the car while I find a telephone, please?"
Edward agreed to the idea, wanting to get out of the cold himself. He put his arm around Sybil and Marigold as they walked huddled together for warmth. As soon as they crossed the streets safely, George left to ask someone working at the ticket booth where the nearest telephone box was.
"Oh my goodness, why is it so cold?" Marigold shuddered as Edward helped her slide into the car.
"Don't focus on it, Marigold" a shivering Sybil said. Edward chuckled and helped Sybil into the car.
"George will be back soon, I'm sure," he said as if his words could make her and Marigold feel less cold. "Have you got the map still, Syb?" He asked.
Sybil nodded and opened her purse to look for the map. She laughed as her teeth began to chatter while she was searching for the map. "Here," she said, holding the map out to him. "Hurry and close the door, please," she begged. Edward nodded, took the map and closed the door, making his way to the front of the car.
"Ah, much better," Marigold said as she slid closer to Sybil. "I can't wait to be home in my warm bed."
"I feel the same way," Sybil said accompanied by a yawn. She rested her head against the window and watched Edward get into the driver's seat. He unfolded the map and began to study the quickest route back to Downton. "I don't think this will be too long of a drive," he murmured.
"Even if it may not be a long drive, I think Sybbie and I shall sleep," Marigold said sleepily. "I'll probably dream of the film we just saw."
Sybil chuckled. "Just rest, Marigold."
George returned to the car a short while later, his face even more pale from standing out in the cold. "Should've brought gloves," he mumbled. "We can leave now, Edward."
"Did you make the telephone call?" Edward asked as he began to drive away from the cinema.
"Yes," George began, "My aunt answered. She said that they are all going to bed soon but Uncle Tom is going to stay up and wait for us."
"Oh, my poor Papa," Sybil sighed. "Well, drive faster, Edward, so that my Papa doesn't have to be up so long. I'll try to get some sleep meanwhile"
"I'll do my best, Syb," Edward teased.
"What a night," George yawned, minutes later.
"Where did the telephone end up being?" Edward asked. He spoke quietly now so that he would not disturb Marigold and Sybil's attempt to sleep.
"There was a telephone box around the corner," George responded quietly. "I had to wait a minute before using it because some woman was using the telephone. She was crying."
"Crying?" Edward asked.
"Not hysterically, but I could see a few tears," George said as the image of the woman entered his mind. "The door was open so I can hear a little of what she was saying. She was upset about her husband enlisting and was telling someone over the phone how worried she was going to be about him."
"I see."
"But another woman, it must have been her friend, came to the telephone box to tell her their cab had arrived. I entered the telephone box after she left and made the call. It was just an odd scene to see. It reminded me of when my mother completely broke down last night." George frowned and wished he hadn't brought that memory up. He hated the most to see his mother cry and the incident last night tore him apart. However, his talk with his father and mother ended with closure for all of them and they all regained trust in one another when it came to George leaving to train.
Edward could sense the pain his friend was feeling and wished to comfort him, but he wasn't sure what to say. "I know my mother will probably be quite upset with me when she discovers I've enlisted."
"Oh, that's for certain," George said with a faint smirk. "I wish you the best of luck with that."
Edward chuckled softly. "Thank you, I'll need it." His expression became more serious now as he drove on. "She's going to remind me that my father was killed in the Great War and that she doesn't want the same fate for me."
George remained silent, not sure of how to respond to his friend. His own mother had said something very similar to him last night about how his father died and that she did not want to lose him too. "I'm sorry," was all he could say to Edward. Edward did not respond but kept his eyes fixated on the road in front of him. George crossed his arms and took a peek at the backseat to see Marigold and Sybil. He could see that both of them had their eyes closed and were breathing lightly, obviously asleep. He smiled and leaned against his seat and closed his eyes, as well. However, he immediately opened them as he realized this would be a perfect time to talk to Edward about Sybil and his intentions. His conversation earlier with Marigold made him realize that as their cousin, he should be more concerned about Sybil's well-being, especially if she was involved with his best friend. He knew Edward was a true gentleman and would never harm Sybil, but asking him about his affections and intentions for her could not do any harm either. George only hoped Edward would not find the conversation awkward or an invasion of his privacy. "Edward?"
"Hm?" Edward glanced at George before looking back at the road.
"Marigold and I were talking earlier and- well, I don't mean to pry, but, uh..." George mentally cursed, it could not be this difficult to speak about this. "What exactly are your intentions with Sybil?" He asked, sounding out each syllable of each word slowly.
"I don't understand," Edward said, clearly taken aback by the unexpected question.
"Well, you obviously care for her," George began, lowering his voice so as not to wake his cousins.
"I do care for her," Edward said. "I care for her very much. "
"And you're going steady with her? Or, courting her, I should say?"
Edward sighed. "She and I haven't really discussed our relationship in terms of what it is, but I would say we're going steady."
"You haven't discussed it?" George asked, almost laughing in disbelief. "What do you two do when you go out together? Do you just fawn over one another?"
"No," Edward said, slightly annoyed. "We talk about other things, not just each other. I think we know where our relationship stands without having to discuss it. However, you've brought the topic to my attention so I may discuss it with her."
"Does her father even approve of you? Have you talked to him about a possible future with her? Do you even want a future with her?" George asked.
Edward shot George a glare at the invasive question. "George, they might be awake," he warned as he motioned to the back seat.
George quickly turned to the backseat. He faced forward once he found them as he did earlier. "They're both asleep. Well? Answer the question. Don't get bashful, Trent."
"Of course, he approves of me. He spoke to me after the Thirsk Fair. He knows I want what's best for Sybil and that my intentions for her are good," Edward answered simply.
"But do you imagine a future with Sybil?"
"It's much too early to imagine that. I've only grown closer to her during this short visit, George" Edward said, but, it was a lie. He had already begun to imagine a future with Sybil in a world where there was no war. He imagined traveling the world with her and dancing the nights away with her. He imagined himself truly happy with her. "You can't make plans during a war. I'd rather not say anything about that until I know for certain all will be alright."
The answers were not satisfactory to George so he kept prying. "And if all is well after the war, would you go and find Sybil so that you could have a future with her?"
"Of course, I would," Edward sighed, giving up on keeping his hopes to himself. "Of course, I would… I only hope she would want to find me too."
"I think she will," George said. "I know you would never do anything to hurt her, but if something were to happen to you, she would be heartbroken."
"She would be heartbroken if something were to happen to you too, George," Edward reminded him. "If something were to happen to me, I would want her to be strong. She would go on with life. She's not one of those people that would lock themselves up and stop living."
"No, she isn't," George said. "I just don't want anything to happen to her."
"She'll be alright," Edward said with great confidence in Sybil. "Her father has told me many wonderful things about her mother and if she is anything like her, which she clearly is, she will be safe while she is away. Also, whenever you and I are present, we can be sure nothing bad will happen to her or Marigold."
"That is very true," George smiled. "So, it is safe to say that you're intentions with Sybil are…?"
"To keep her happy and safe as long as I can," Edward replied.
George grinned at Edward's answer and leaned back in his seat. "That's a good answer. You have my blessing."
Edward chuckled. "Ah, that's a relief. Thank you."
Sybil smiled as she kept her eyes closed. George was incorrect in assuming that she was asleep like Marigold was, but Sybil was more than happy that he had made that mistake because now Sybil knew that Edward felt the same way she did.
Sybil must have fallen asleep at some point after Edward and George's conversation because she was startled awake by the sound of car doors slamming. She sat up sleepily and saw that George and Edward were outside at the front door of Downton Abbey. Sybil assumed that they must want to alert their father they had arrived and that she and Marigold might need to be carried out from the car. "Marigold?" She lightly shook her cousin awake.
"No," Marigold whined as she tried to go back to sleep. George opened the door and found his half-asleep cousins.
"Hello, sleeping beauties," he chuckled. "We're home, come on out."
Sybil got out of the car and stretched while she watched George almost need to pull Marigold from the car. Sybil walked from the car and quickly into Downton Abbey to escape from the cold. Her father was waiting for her in the entrance hall. She immediately went to him and hugged him. "Hi, Papa."
"Hello, Sybbie," her father smiled. He kissed her head and put his arm around her. "Did you have a good time?"
"Very," Sybil said. "The movie was excellent but I am so tired."
"Yes, I can see that you are. You best be getting to bed then," her father said. He looked out at the front door and saw George and Marigold come in while Edward closed the door behind them.
"They slept the entire drive home," George said.
"Yes, we did," Sybil lied.
"Well, you and Marigold can go upstairs together," her father said, slightly amused at the sleepy state that Marigold was in.
"Alright, come along, Marigold," Sybil said as she went to her cousin. She took her arm and began to take her up the staircase, making eye contact with Edward as she did so.
"Goodnight!" George called out to them.
"Sleep well," Edward added as he watched them go. Sybil turned her head and smiled at them before disappearing with Marigold. Once she and her cousin were gone, Sybil's father turned to Edward and George and shook their hands.
"All went well then?"
"Of course," George said. "We didn't get lost, not even once. I'm happy to have had this time with them and Edward."
"And I am happy for that, as well," Sybil's father said. "Oh, Edward, a letter came for you."
Edward raised a quizzical brow. "A letter? From whom?"
"I can't remember," Sybil's father said. "It's in the library. I'll get it for you."
George began going up the staircase, yearning for sleep. "I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, George," Edward said and began following Tom Branson. "I'm following you, Mr. Branson."
"Alright," Tom said as he entered the library. "I do hope it's not bad news. It was delivered this morning while we were out taking our photographs but we didn't see it until after the four of you had gone." He took the letter from off the fireplace mantle, where he had left it earlier, and gave it to Edward. As soon as Edward was given the letter, he saw the penmanship and knew exactly who it was from.
"It's from my mother," Edward said. "She thinks I'm going to be returning late next week."
"Does she know you've enlisted?"
"No," Edward confessed. "I haven't told her anything. I haven't even written to her. My poor mother must be worried about me."
Sybil's father nodded in agreement. "She certainly will be surprised. You're just going to take a train and go home without telling her a word?"
"That's the plan," Edward said. "She may be upset with me but she'll be happy I'm home. I have to head to the train station tomorrow and see what time it's leaving on Thursday. I have to to take a train heading to the west of Yorkshire."
"Oh, you'll be there in no time then. You should get to the train station tomorrow, though, just to see. You wouldn't want to avoid that only to see there aren't any trains heading west on Thursday."
"Exactly." Edward smiled and looked down at his watch. "I'll head up to my room now and read the letter then. Goodnight, Mr. Branson."
"Goodnight, Edward. Thank you for taking care of my daughter tonight."
"It is always a pleasure, Mr. Branson."
Once Edward was in his bedroom, he closed the door and placed the letter on his bed. He decided to make himself comfortable and get ready for bed before opening the letter so he could immediately go to sleep after reading it. He removed his coat and undid the buttons of his shirt until he was just in his white undershirt. He exchanged his trousers for a comfortable pair of pants he slept in and removed his shoes. "Now, let's see what she said," he sighed once he was ready for bed. He turned off all the lamps in his room except for the one on his bedside table and opened the letter.
My dearest boy,
I hope you are enjoying your visit to Downton Abbey and I hope that they are treating you well. I hope George Crawley isn't being a bad influence on you.
Edward smirked. He and George had gotten reprimanded a few times while they were away at school together. They would often wander around the school late at night with their friends or simply forget to do their readings or even fail an exam. Since Edward was older his mother expected better of him. He continued reading the short letter:
I miss you terribly. I really cannot wait for your return home next week. I couldn't believe the news about England going to war with Germany. Can you believe it? It feels like 1914 all over again… Anyway, please write back to me, I worry about you. The house is very quiet and lonely without you in it. Do not worry about me, though. The neighbors have been popping in to visit me and they all ask about you.
I am eagerly anticipating your homecoming. I pray you enjoy the rest of your days at Downton Abbey. I love you.
Take care,
Mother
Edward set the letter on his bedside table and turned off the lamp. He would not write a response to his mother because he was going to be home in two days. She would be surprised, he knew, but it would all be very bittersweet once she would find out that he enlisted without telling her. She would be angry with him but he hoped that he would be able to calm her down. She would also be heartbroken but perhaps she would understand. Edward lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, feeling a twinge of despair about these next two days. Tomorrow was to be his last full day at Downton and he so wanted to make it count. Leaving the ones he cared about and telling his mother he enlisted was going to be one of the most stressful moments of his life so far.
The household woke to violent thunder the following morning. The bleak morning had caused everyone to not feel their best and many resorted to remaining in their rooms after breakfast. Any hopes Edward had of going out with Sybil and her cousins were crushed as the thunder shook the windows. He would have to find another way to make the day count even if it meant just staying here with them. He waited in the drawing room to see if Sybil would go downstairs but he had not seen her all morning. Instead, Sybil had decided to go to Marigold's room after breakfast while the men remained downstairs.
"I don't like these storms," Marigold complained as she lay on her bed with a copy of Vogue resting on her face. Sybil lay at the foot of the bed and was too absorbed in the Harper's Bazaar article she was reading to answer.
"Look at the photographs of Paris, Marigold," Sybil said as she sat up and took Vogue off of Marigold's face and replaced it with Harper's Bazaar.
Marigold held the magazine above her and smiled at the images of women in gorgeous outfits walking around Paris. "So beautiful," she sighed. "Paris seems like such a romantic place."
"It does," Sybil said, laying back down on Marigold's bed. "I want to go someday. Perhaps I can go after the war. I want to go to the flower shops and cafés and the museums."
"And then you share a kiss with your lover in front of the Eiffel Tower!" Marigold giggled.
"Lover? Come now, Marigold," Sybil blushed and flipped through the magazine. She heard Marigold let out a mischievous laugh before she got off of the bed.
"I wish we could go outside," Marigold said with a voice full of longing as she opened her curtains. "It'll probably rain all day and tomorrow though when Edward leaves."
"Oh, yes," Sybil said sadly. "This is his last day at Downton." Her eyes widened when she finished speaking. She sat up and immediately got herself off of Marigold's bed. "Today is Edward's last day at Downton," she repeated in faint horror. Marigold turned around and saw her cousin, deeply saddened by her sudden realization.
"Well, what are you doing up here?" Marigold asked.
"You still have two days here. You go downstairs and I'll continue writing my story," she said as she took out her typewriter from under her bed and brought it to her desk. Marigold had been itching to write all morning but did not know how to tell Sybil that she wanted to be alone with her work.
"Alright then." Sybil quickly went to the door and walked out. "Happy writing!"
Sybil raced downstairs and to the drawing room, where she knew Edward would be. As she was entering the drawing room she ran into someone who was walking out of the room. "Syb?" She heard Edward say as she bumped into his chest.
"I'm sorry!" She apologized with a nervous laugh. "I was just in a hurry to see you," she said, noticing that he had his hat and coat on as though he were ready to leave somewhere at this moment.
"Is something wrong?" Edward asked, suddenly concerned.
"For me, yes," Sybil said, trying to catch her breath. "Today is your last day here and I didn't even realize it till a few minutes ago."
Edward frowned and took Sybil's hand. "I know, and I wanted to make this day count but this storm-"
"Edward, ready to leave?" Sybil's father appeared behind Edward, not realizing that he had been speaking with Sybil. "Oh, I'm sorry," her father said sheepishly.
"It's alright, Papa," Sybil said. "Where are you two going?"
"To the train station to see what time the train leaves tomorrow for me," Edward answered. "George is outside already telling Mr. Crewe we need the car."
"But in this storm?" Sybil asked worriedly.
"We'll only be gone for a short while, Sybbie," her father comforted. "I'm going to check the times for our train to London on Saturday, as well."
"Well, alright. I suppose that's a good idea," Sybil said, forcing a smile. Sybil's father said his goodbyes to her and left to get the car and find George. Edward kissed Sybil's hand before he followed her father. "We will talk later, Syb."
Sybil refused to let herself be saddened about tomorrow and decided to focus her energy on finding something to give to Edward to remind him of her while he was away. She wanted to give more than just a little photograph of herself, which she did not have handy anyway. She wanted to give him something that had meaning for the both of them. Suddenly, she remembered the images of Paris from Harper's Bazaar and thought something that had to do with traveling would be perfect for Edward. He had expressed to her that he wished to travel and so had she. She couldn't give Edward the copy of Harper's Bazaar but she could give him something else he would enjoy much more that had images filled with the most beautiful places in the world. She quickly made her way back up the stairs and went to her grandmother Cora's room. She knocked lightly on the door in hopes that her grandmother would be able to help her with her gift idea for Edward.
"Come in." She heard her grandmother say. She walked into her bedroom and found her grandmother lounging on her settee near her vanity. "Oh, hello, dear," her grandmother greeted. "Did you come to speak to me about something?"
"Yes," Sybil said, "As you know, today is Edward's last day at Downton. I wanted to give him something special to take with him that means something to both of us."
"Oh, that's so sweet," her grandmother cooed. "Have a seat, darling."
Sybil sat at her grandmother's vanity seat with a smile. "You see, Edward has expressed that he would love to travel and see the world someday. We both have talked about places we'd love to see and I think I have the perfect idea of what to give to him."
"And that is?"
Sybil leaned forward eagerly in her seat. "Well, you and Donk have traveled almost everywhere, and you have quite a lot of travel books that anyone hardly looks at anymore. I remember seeing a small book filled with images of different cities and countries. The photographs were so beautiful. Do you remember? It must have been a few years ago when we were rearranging books together that I found it."
"I believe I do," her grandmother said. "It's a small book, isn't it? It would be perfect for him to take with him wherever he may be sent to. If you find it, you may give it to him."
"Oh, thank you!" Sybil cried, getting up from her seat and hugging her grandmother. Her grandmother smiled and embraced her granddaughter. "I'm proud of you, Sybbie, for everything."
"Thank you," Sybil smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," her grandmother said as she pulled away from her. "When will you give him the book?"
"I'm not sure exactly. I think I'll give it to him when he returns from the train station or perhaps I'll give it to him tonight after dinner if I can't find it in time before he returns."
"I think you should wait till after dinner. It'll be a nice gesture to end his last night here with."
"That's true," Sybil agreed. "After dinner then. I'll go and find the book now. Thank you again, Grandmother!"
Sybil found her grandfather in the library and told him all about her idea of giving the travel book to Edward. Donk was a bit reluctant on allowing her to give away a book from their library, but once he thought about it more and realized that those books hardly ever get looked at anymore, he agreed to it. If the book wasn't being read at Downton, Edward would certainly make better use of it and read it. Together, Sybil and Donk searched high and low through the bookshelves for the traveling books. "I'm sure they're in this area somewhere," Donk said as he studied the spines of each book he passed by. "I remember that the book has a brown leather cover and it's about the size of my hand."
"I remember that too," Sybil said as she put back books she had pulled out thinking they were the one she wanted. "I wanted to try to find the book before Edward came back."
"He's not back yet so there is still hope you will find it in time."
Half an hour later, Sybil, who had not given up hope of finding the book, finally found the small leather travel book. She was overjoyed when she finally pulled it off the shelves. She flipped through the pages and found everything was still intact and that the book was very well taken care of. At the same time that she found it, Donk announced that the car had just pulled up and that Edward had returned with her father and George. Not wanting Edward to see the surprise just yet, Sybil darted out of the library and went bedroom before George, Edward, or her father walked into Downton Abbey.
In her room, Sybil sat at her vanity and opened the book to look through it again. Her eyes wandered from page to page, seeing images of the Great Sphinx in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the palace of Versailles, the Taj Mahal, and so many other enchanting places one would want to visit during their lifetime. This was definitely the perfect gift for Edward, Sybil thought to herself. She opened her vanity drawer to search for a pen so that she could write a message to Edward on the first page of the book; the only problem was that she had no idea what to write. She wanted it to be short but meaningful so that he could feel comforted and remember her whenever he opened the book. When an idea for a message finally came to her, she took her time writing it out for him. She signed her name and wrote the date on the top corner of the page when she finished. "Perfect," Sybil smiled. Now she could go downstairs and meet with Edward and George. She left her room, leaving the book on her vanity until she was to give it to Edward.
"How did it go?" Sybil asked a drenched Edward and George as she descended the staircase.
"Fine," George huffed as he removed his hat and sopping coat.
"Where is my father?" Sybil asked as she took George and Edward's hat to hang on the hat rack. She hoped her father wouldn't be soaking wet as they were.
"He'll be in soon," George told her. "He's the driest of the three of us. I don't understand how he did it."
"Well, he did bring an umbrella," Edward smirked. Sybil's father made his appearance and was only a tad bit wet from the rain. He closed and shook the umbrella he was carrying before setting it aside.
"The weather is madness today!"
"I know! I'm happy you made it back safely," Sybil breathed. "Did you find times for the trains?"
"Yes," her father began, "our train is leaving on Saturday at ten o'clock in the morning. We'll be in London by the afternoon."
"That sounds fine," Sybil said and looked at Edward. "I'm afraid to ask what time is your train leaving…"
"Same time tomorrow," Edward said with a hint of sadness in his voice. "Ten o'clock in the morning. Your father has even offered to drive me to the train station so he can bring the car back."
"Ten o'clock?" Sybil asked meekly. "Oh, and that's nice of you, Papa, to drive him to the train station. Mr. Crewe has another day off."
"Mr. Crewe has had so many days off, he's probably worried that he isn't needed anymore. Well, I suppose he technically isn't since Uncle Tom is staying with us for a while, I'm assuming. Don't tell Mr. Crewe that, though." George joked, trying to make light of the situation.
Sybil's father chuckled. "I don't think he needs to worry about me taking his place. I haven't been the chauffeur here in over twenty years and I don't think I want to start it up again, even though I didn't mind it."
"Are you all back?" A new voice asked. The three looked up at the staircase and saw Mary coming down. "Tom, I don't like it when you drive my son around in this weather."
"Well, he's home now safe and sound. No harm was done," Sybil's father said with his charming smile. Mary playfully rolled her eyes at his response and gasped in horror when she laid eyes on George and his drenched state.
"George!"
George suddenly became meek in the presence of his mother. "Yes, Mother?"
"You look as though you've gone for a swim! Go upstairs right now and get changed out of those clothes. Leave them out to dry. Goodness. Edward, you go to! We wouldn't want to send you home with pneumonia."
George and Edward immediately went up the stairs to change out of their wet clothes while Sybil watched them leave amused. "They should have used the umbrella," Sybil said to her aunt, Mary.
"Yes, they should have. Anyway, I was looking for my father, have you seen him?"
"Oh, Donk is in the library. I was just in there with him."
"Ah, thank you, Sybbie." Mary left Sybil and her father alone in the entrance hall. Sybil simply could not wait to tell him about her gift to Edward.
"Papa, Grandmother let me have a small traveling book from the library to give to Edward! Isn't that kind of her?"
"How nice! But why a traveling book, my love?" Her father asked.
"Oh, well, it's because Edward wants to travel in the future. I thought it would be a meaningful gift to him. I'm going to give it to him after dinner. I hope he likes it."
"I'm sure he will absolutely love it," her father said. "Oh, and do you want to accompany me to the train station tomorrow and see Edward off?"
Sybil did not answer him right away and she contemplated whether or not she should go. She imagined she would say goodbye to him tomorrow here, at Downton Abbey, instead of at the train station. She knew that if she were to go with them to the train station, it would be more difficult for her to say goodbye. She shook her head. "No, Papa, I think it would be best if I remain here tomorrow morning."
"I understand."
"Were you upset when mother left for her training? Did you give her anything when she left?" Sybil asked.
"I was worried about her, I know," her father said, remembering how he felt as he accompanied Sybil Crawley to her training hospital. He remembered how perfect the weather had been that day and how beautiful she looked. Every time he was with her he fell more and more in love with her. It hurt him to leave her behind and he refused to believe that he did not have a chance to be happy with her. "I didn't give her anything except my love. It was around that time that I first told her that I was in love with her and I told her to run away with me."
Sybil smiled as she tried to place herself in the memory. Her father certainly was brave to ask her mother, the daughter of a Lord, to run away with him. "And she said no, yes?"
"Right. She said she would wait to give me an answer until the war was over. When it ended, we ran away to elope."
"Such scandal," Sybil gasped.
Her father laughed. "I've told you this story before, haven't I?"
"Well, you've left details out in the past," Sybil said. "I didn't know that you drove her to her nurse training, or I had forgotten you did. You and mother loved each other so much. You both did such exciting and daring things so that you two could be together."
"We did," her father nodded. "Our love beat all the odds. Sometimes when you're in love, you have to take risks and see what happens. The risks your mother and I took ended well for both of us. We were able to get married and I finally was somewhat accepted by the family after that. However, when I say risks, I mean smart risks. I don't want you to go on and elope, Sybbie."
Sybil blushed. "I would never, Papa. I may be a lot like my mother but I don't think I am as daring as the two of you were."
"Hm, you're more cautious, which is good," her father smiled. "I'm going to go upstairs to my room and put this coat away, alright?"
"Alright, Papa." Not knowing what to do downstairs, Sybil returned upstairs and decided to see what Marigold was up to. If she was still writing, Sybil would wait for George and Edward to leave their rooms so she could spend time with them.
When Sybil knocked on Marigold's door, she heard nothing from within. She did not hear Marigold's voice nor did she hear the tap-tap-tap sounding from her typewriter. "Marigold?" Sybil opened the door only to find what she expected, an empty room. A scream from down the hallway startled Sybil out of the room. "George, stop this now!" She heard Marigold squeal. Sybil closed Marigold's bedroom door and walked to where Marigold's screams and giggles were coming from, which was the parlor.
Sybil walked into the parlor and found George carrying Marigold bridal-style around the room as a fast-paced swing song played on the gramophone. Sybil raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms at the scene, even though it wasn't unusual. She looked to her right and saw Edward sitting on the sofa watching them like a nervous father would be as he watched his children do something dangerous. When he saw that Sybil was standing in the doorway, he shrugged at her as if to tell her that he had no idea why this happened. "George used to do this all the time," Sybil said as she sat next to Edward. "He was always picking up Marigold or me, especially when we were in front of the family; he would always want to show off his strength."
"I'm not surprised anymore," Edward chuckled, crossing his arms.
"Sybbie! You're here now too!" Marigold exclaimed. "Her turn, George!"
"What? No, no," Sybil laughed, scooting closer to Edward as he instinctively moved closer to her, as well. George set Marigold down and immediately went to pick up his cousin. With great success, George picked up Sybil and flung her softly over his shoulder. Sybil's face reddened from embarrassment but she couldn't stop herself from laughing. Edward immediately stood as George began to parade around Sybil over his shoulders. "For she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow! Remember, Sybbie?" George sang.
Edward crossed his arms as he watched. For being the grandchildren of an Earl, they seemed to all have been quite rambunctious children and still were to this day, Edward thought. "George, please put Sybil down. You might drop her," he said.
"I've only dropped her once, Edward, don't worry," George said.
Sybil lifted her head with a smile. "Yes! You were carrying me around like this on the pavement outside and dropped me."
Edward found that a bit amusing but said nothing so as not to encourage George to continue parading around with Sybil.
"Alright, George, the blood is rushing to my head now. Please put me down," Sybil said, beginning to feel nauseous from all the movement. George stopped and set Sybil down.
"That was fun! It was just like old times."
"You're too silly for your own good," Sybil sighed as she placed her hand on her head. She plopped onto the sofa and Edward sat down next to her. "If you train with George," Sybil began, "make sure he behaves."
"Of course, and if he doesn't, I'll pretend not to know him," Edward smirked. The four of them began to laugh and George pretended to be offended by Edward's remark. From that moment on, the afternoon was lighthearted and filled with jokes and games. Edward was grateful for the time he was spending with George, Sybil, and Marigold, and he realized that when he was with the three of them, he felt as though he were part of their family. It felt as though he was not leaving tomorrow and that Downton is where he would stay. During dinner, however, he knew the dream was coming to an end as he enjoyed his last meal at Downton Abbey with the Crawleys and Bransons.
"Are you all packed for tomorrow, Trent?" Donk asked during dinner.
Edward set his fork down and looked across the table at Lord Grantham. "I must confess that I have not begun to pack at all. I'll have to do that after dinner or later tonight."
"Oh, no, that's a shame. Do you have a lot to pack?" Cora asked him.
"Just clothes and the like," Edward said. "It's not too much. I only have one suitcase to fill, I believe."
"Well, that's good," she said and returned to eating. Edward decided now was the moment to express his thanks to the family so he once again looked at Lord Grantham and began to speak. "Forgive me for interrupting the meal, but may I say a few words, Lord Grantham?"
"You may."
Edward nodded in thanks and stood from his seat. Everyone at the table paused and looked up at him. "I wanted to express my thanks and gratitude to all of you for welcoming me into your beautiful home," he began. Sybil smiled proudly as she listened to him speak. "My memories of Downton are all happy ones but I think the memories I have made here during this visit are the happiest. They are truly unforgettable memories, especially the ones spent with Miss Sybil and with you all at the Thirsk Fair." Edward eyes briefly rested on Sybil and she felt her cheeks redden. She smiled shyly and looked down at her hands on her lap. She knew her family members were watching her at this moment. Edward continued on, hoping he didn't embarrass Sybil too much. "Even though I am leaving tomorrow, I hope that - God willing - I will return to Downton. So, thank you for making me feel like a part of this wonderful family and thank you all for your kindness."
"We were very happy to have you here, Edward," Lady Grantham said.
"Indeed," Lord Grantham smiled. "You are a good man, Trent. It has been wonderful having you with us. You may return to Downton whenever you please and you can always think of Downton Abbey as your home away from home."
Edward was completely humbled and honored by Lord Grantham's words. Edward bowed in gratitude. "Thank you," he said as he sat back down in his seat. Sybil felt a tear escape her eye as she became overwhelmed with both joy from her grandfather's words and sadness from Edward's words. Time had passed by so quickly for them and she would do anything to relive all those moments again and again.
Dinner took longer than usual due to all the well wishes that were being given to Edward. As the family was leaving the dining room to go to the drawing room, Mary pulled Sybil aside for a brief chat. "My, my, Sybbie, your beau is quite shameless," she said.
Sybil looked at her aunt in confusion. "I'm sorry?"
"Edward Trent, he just confessed his love for you in front of everyone," her aunt said with a sly smile.
"He did not," Sybil said, hoping she wasn't blushing. "I didn't think so and neither did anyone else, I'm sure."
"Hm, well, no matter, he is quite taken by you."
"And I am taken by him," Sybil smiled. "Now, I don't want to rush things. Edward and I are quite happy going on being taken by one another. Let's go join the others, Aunt Mary. I've heard enough talk of Edward's and my affections for each other from everyone except Edward and me." She took her aunt's arm and the two walked together to the drawing room even though Mary wanted to continue talking to her and was clearly annoyed that Sybil ended the conversation with her.
Sybil spent the rest of the evening sitting next to Edward and participated in a game of charades with him and her family. It was normally a game they played during the holidays, but Marigold insisted they play the game since she felt they should do something fun with Edward before he left. It was a good idea too since it caused the entire room to be filled with laughter as the game went on.
"Ah, serving a drink?" George asked as Aunt Edith stood in front of them pantomiming her pouring something into a cup. She said nothing since George's answer was wrong. She then stopped the pouring motion and pretended to pick up a cup. She began to plop something into the cup. Sybil knew the answer as soon as she realized Aunt Edith was plopping sugar into the cup.
"Serving tea!" Sybil called out.
"Yes!" Aunt Edith said.
"That's what it was?" Donk said, rubbing his head in confusion.
"Sybil, why don't you go next? You've only gone once since we started playing," her father said. Edward glanced at her and gave her an encouraging smile. "He's right. Go on, Syb."
"I'm not any good at doing the charades part of charades," Sybil said as she got up and stood at the front of the room where everyone could see.
"Do a difficult one," Marigold said, eager to guess correctly first.
"I'll do my best," Sybil said as she thought of something to pantomime. Surprisingly, something quickly popped into her head. She took a deep breath and began to act out what she was thinking. She began by waving her hand.
"Goodbye?" Marigold asked as she watched her cousin. Sybil nodded quickly but motioned her cousin to say more than that.
"Arrivederci!" George shouted. Sybil tried not to laugh and shook her head. "Do you want us to think of another word for goodbye?" George asked. Sybil nodded in response.
"Hey, you can't ask questions, George!" Marigold said.
"Darling, don't shout," her father laughed.
"Farewell?" Donk asked. Sybil turned to him and nodded excitedly. She then held up two fingers. Everyone in the room shouted "two!" as soon as she did so. The last word was shown by Sybil holding her arms out.
"Arms!" Henry shouted. Sybil nodded and was about to repeat the three actions again before Edward shouted the correct answer.
"A Farewell to Arms!"
"Yes! Uncle Henry, why didn't you say it quick enough?" Sybil smiled.
Henry laughed. "I had forgotten what the first two words were."
"What on earth is that?" Donk asked. He had never heard of A Farewell to Arms and was severely confused as to what it was.
"It's a book written by Ernest Hemingway, Father. He's an American writer," Edith told him.
"A book about what? Saying farewell to one's limbs or weapons?" Donk asked.
"No, Donk!" Sybil giggled.
"It's a novel set during the Great War," Edward said. "It's quite a good book too."
"It is," Edith agreed.
The game continued on with everyone enjoying themselves and Donk becoming occasionally confused. Once everyone had their fill of charades, they decided it was time to go upstairs to sleep. Edward especially knew he needed to go upstairs and pack up all his things. He did not want to have to worry about that tomorrow.
"Goodnight, everyone," Donk said as he left the room first with Sybil's grandmother. Soon, the rest of the family followed while Sybil and Edward trailed behind them on the staircase. Sybil was not prepared to say her goodbyes at this time and was going to wait until tomorrow to give him a proper goodbye. "I'll be up early so that I can have breakfast with you downstairs," she said to him.
"Oh, I'd like that," Edward smiled. "I cannot believe that I procrastinated on packing until this moment."
"I hope you get it over with quickly," Sybil said. "You need to get a good night's rest, as well."
"I'll try," Edward said. Edward stopped in front of Sybil's bedroom door with her. He took her hand and kissed it. Sybil always felt so content whenever he would kiss her hand. She smiled up at him and stood on the tip of her toes to kiss his cheek.
"Good night, Edward. I will see you in the morning."
"Good night, Sybil," Edward said to her in a quiet voice. "Sleep well."
Their hands lingered in one another's for a few moments before Edward gently pulled away to leave to his room. Sybil opened her door and sighed against her doorframe. She closed her door and took the pins out of her hair, letting her hair fall below her shoulders. The sound of the rain from outside her window soothed her as she changed into her nightgown and got herself ready for bed. When she sat at her vanity to wash her face, she saw the book she had meant to give to Edward lying face open where she had left it. "No!" She whispered. She had forgotten to give him the book after dinner. Sybil sighed in frustration and held her head in her hands wondering how something she was so excited about could have slipped her mind. She soon was no longer upset with herself and decided to just give him the book tomorrow morning before he left. She won't forget then, she told herself. She closed the book and set it aside so she can wash her face.
"Good night, Mother," Sybil said to the photograph of her mother she had on the vanity before she went to her bed. With the lamps turned off, Sybil crawled into bed and lay down, hugging her spare pillow to her. She lay there in silence and listened to the sound of rain, hoping the sound would help her fall asleep quickly. The rain did nothing for her, though, and she tossed and turned in her bed for quite a while, never really feeling comfortable.
Sybil did not know how much time had passed as she laid on her back staring at the ceiling, or went on her side and watched the rain from her window, or forced her eyes closed, but felt as though she had been struggling to sleep for hours. She turned onto her other side and looked at her door. She contemplated whether or not she should get out of bed and find a book to read until she grew tired, which is what she would do at home. She sat up in bed and turned on her lamp to better see the clock across from her. It had been hours. It was well past midnight already and Sybil knew she needed to sleep if she was to wake early enough to join Edward downstairs for breakfast. She slowly got out of bed and went to put on her robe, which was placed on her vanity chair.
Sybil knew that her bedside table lamp would not provide much light but it would be just enough to allow her to see what she was doing. She took the lamp in her hand and slipped her feet into a pair of slippers. Sybil opened her door and peeked out into the hallway. It was dark and she knew everyone was to be asleep. If she were to do anything to wake them up, she knew they would be upset with her. She tiptoed out of her room and left her bedroom door open behind her so that no sound would be heard if she tried to shut it. As she wandered down the hall, Sybil kept her thoughts on what sort of book she would like to read. Perhaps a romance or an adventure, she thought. She thought of anything to distract her from the darkness around her. She was not afraid of the dark as she once was when she was a little girl, but it was still eerie to her to walk through the darkness at this hour.
Sybil kept repeating to herself her objective: find a book from the library, return to your room. Her objective seemed clear to her when she reached the staircase safely but before she took her first step, she saw something strange from the parlor that sparked a sudden curiosity in her. The sight confused her since everyone was usually asleep or in their rooms at this time. Feeling too curious now, Sybil decided to leave the staircase and investigate why a faint light could be seen within the parlor.
