Sybil followed Grace in silence as they walked to the medical school the following gloomy morning. Grace, who was still cross at Sybil for having her weekly task changed, had barely spoken to her in the morning but had made no objection to Sybil walking with her to the medical school. Sybil felt quite distressed knowing that Grace was upset with her, especially since they've only known one another for a few days and she was the only person she really talked too. She had to make amends with Grace somehow without telling her the absolute truth, but she wasn't sure as to how. "I have a full morning of classes," Sybil finally said.
"I do, as well," Grace said as she approached the school entrance. She opened the door and stepped aside so Sybil could enter before her. "After my classes end in the afternoon, I'll have to go to the kitchen and wash dishes. What are you doing again?"
Sybil smiled softly at Grace and entered the school. She turned around to answer her. "Organize closets."
"Oh, that's right," Grace said. The two stood in front of one another without speaking a word until the bells from a nearby church tolled the hour.
Sybil sighed. "If I don't see you after our anatomy course, I hope you have a nice day," she said.
Grace nodded at her and smiled for a brief moment. "Thank you. I hope the same for you."
With that, the two soon departed from the entrance of the school and to their classrooms. For it only being the second day of courses and lectures, Sybil felt herself beginning to become overwhelmed with the new knowledge and responsibilities she now had. She had new books filled with medical knowledge that she had to study from and put to practice. She knew her evenings were going to eventually be filled with endless readings from her new books, and even though it would be a lot, it would be exciting to her.
Later in the afternoon, as Sybil was leaving her last course of the day, she saw Sarah Peltzer in the hall. Sybil had wanted to apologize to her for accidentally seeing the letter that Sarah had not wanted her to see the previous day, but before Sybil could catch up to her, Sarah disappeared into a classroom. Sybil frowned at her missed opportunity but knew that she would eventually see her again and get to voice her apology.
Sybil exited the school and held her satchel close to herself. She could feel the gas mask poking her side as she walked. She detested seeing the frightening mask whenever she opened her satchel throughout the day, but it was a necessary item she had to have. She was not the only one who felt that way, however; other nurses also expressed the annoyance of carrying their gas masks around with them all day, but Sister Agnes told them to cease their complaining, for that gas mask may end up saving their lives.
A light rain soon began to fall and Sybil heard a sudden yelp and crash from across the courtyard. As she looked ahead of her, she saw a nurse with red hair scrambling to the ground to gather the belongings from her satchel, which had been scattered across the now wet courtyard. "Grace?" Sybil called out. She walked swiftly to her and immediately knelt down to help her gather her things.
"Silly me, dropping my satchel," Grace muttered as she placed picked up her gas mask. "I hope this didn't break."
"No, I think they are made to withstand a little fall," Sybil told Grace as she returned her books and damp papers to her. "Have you finished your courses for the day?"
"I have," Grace said as she stood with all her belongings safely in her satchel again. "Thank you, for helping me, Sybil."
"Of course," Sybil smiled. "Let's get out of this rain."
The girls entered St. Margaret's Hospital together and were soon going up the stairs to their room. "I'm just going to set my things down before I leave to the kitchen," Grace said as she carefully took the wet contents from her satchel and placed them onto the headboard of her bed so that they could dry. She sat on her bed and watched as Sybil sat on her own bed and put her books on her nightstand.
"I'm going to be leaving in a few moments to find the nurse I'm assisting," Sybil told her.
Grace sighed and went to Sybil. "Sybil?"
"Yes, Grace?" Sybil asked as she looked up at her.
"I'm sorry," Grace began, "I don't know why I'm upset with you. I suppose I'm being selfish. You're the only one I've talked to since arriving here and I'm used to spending time with people I like due to being from a large family. I had also thought that maybe you asked to have your task changed because I was an annoyance to you."
Sybil stood and patted Grace's shoulder. "Oh, Grace, no, you're not an annoyance to me at all. It's the truth that Sister Agnes changed my work assignment though I protested. I understand too that you're used to being with people and I'm sorry we cannot continue washing dishes together; I have to do what Sister Agnes says. We'll have plenty of other tasks that we can do together, though."
Grace nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'm sorry, again," she said and quickly embraced Sybil. Sybil smiled and was relieved that her friend was no longer upset with her.
"I'll wait to eat later so that you and I can eat together, alright?"
"That sounds perfect!" Grace smiled. "Thank you, Sybil. I shall see you later then. I hope your organizing of closets goes well."
"Thank you, I hope so too, Grace."
Once Sybil was ready to meet the nurse she was helping, she left the room and began her descent from the staircase. She realized that she did not know where exactly to meet this nurse; however, she was able to find Sister Agnes' office so she wandered in to talk to her. "Sister Agnes?"
Sister Agnes looked up from her desk and smiled. "Ah, hello, Nurse Branson. Do you need something?"
"Yes, I need to know where to find the nurse I'm assisting. I'm all finished with my courses for the day, so I wanted to go and help now," Sybil explained.
"Oh, of course. Nurse Woodhams is most likely in the East Wing. Just ask one of the nurses for her and they'll tell you exactly where she is."
"Perfect," Sybil smiled. "Thank you."
The East Wing of the hospital was full of patients and nurses. When Sybil entered the ward, she saw nurses tending to patients and more nurses walking up and down the aisles with carts of medicine and supplies. Sybil even noticed a few of her fellow nurses-in-training assisting with administrations of medicines. Sybil envied them for a brief moment, but she knew she would be doing those tasks eventually, she just needed to be patient.
Sybil walked down the aisle of the ward and smiled and nodded at patients who acknowledged her. She approached a nurse, who was standing near a patient's bed and looking over a clipboard. "Excuse me, where may I find Nurse Woodhams?" Sybil asked.
"Nurse Woodhams?" The nurse asked. She looked over her shoulder and then nodded. "I believe she's at the back of the room. There's a small hall with a closet that she was in."
"Oh, alright," Sybil said. "Thank you." She continued walking until she reached the back of the room. She found the small hall and entered it when she heard faint movement from the closet within. "Hello?" She called out.
"Yes, I'm in here!" She heard a woman say. Suddenly, the woman emerged from the closet and stood before Sybil. Both of their eyes widened at the sight of one another and they were hit with the realization that they had met before. Sybil immediately recognized her. Woodhams! Before her, was standing the woman who had attended the dance at Jubilee Dance Hall with her husband and had been seated with Sybil and Edward.
"We've met before, haven't we?" Nurse Woodhams asked, clearly stunned. "I'm sure I recognize you!"
Sybil nodded, equally as stunned. "Yes, I believe I met you at Jubilee Dance Hall in York!"
"Of course!" Helen laughed, remembering it all. "My husband and I sat with you and your handsome companion. I remember! What a coincidence! My name is Helen Woodhams if you don't remember my name." She held her hand out and Sybil gladly took it.
"And my name is Sybil Branson. I cannot believe I didn't recognize your name when Sister Agnes told me I was assisting you," she chuckled.
"She didn't even tell me who was assisting me," Helen laughed. "And Sybil Branson? I had forgotten your name, as well. You may call me Helen, by the way. You and I are away from the others here, so calling me 'Nurse Woodhams' isn't regulated when it's just the two of us. May I call you Sybil?"
"You may," Sybil smiled. She was absolutely surprised that she would end up training at the same hospital as Helen Woodhams. She had remembered that Edward told her that Helen Woodhams had completed her training before marrying Mr. Woodhams. Edward had also told Sybil that he mentioned to Helen that she was going to be training as a nurse, as well. "How funny it is that you and I would meet one another again here at St. Margaret's."
Helen Woodhams smiled. "It must be fate. So, you and I are going to be organizing the medical closets today. This one here is one of the many. Follow me in, please." Helen entered the closet once more with Sybil following. Boxes upon boxes were stacked atop one another and shelves were half full of medical supplies. "We shall be unpacking the boxes and restocking the shelves, as well. It won't be difficult at all, except you may have to stand on a rather tall stool. I hope you don't mind that; it's rather wobbly."
"I don't mind that," Sybil said to her. "Shall we begin then?"
"Yes, we shall start with that box over there."
Together, Helen and Sybil began to unpack a box and set the supplies aside for shelving. Vials, bandages, syringes, empty medicine bottles, and more were separated by Sybil as Helen removed them carefully from the box. The first shelf needed to be stocked first, so Sybil stood on the wobbly stool and placed the supplies above her as Helen gave them to her. "If you don't mind me asking," Sybil began, "why are you organizing closets with me, a nurse-in-training, when you could be out there doing everything the other nurses are doing?"
"I do my nursing work all morning and since there are new nurses-in-training here again, I want to help them," Helen said as she handed Sybil a box of empty bottles. "I had a nurse mentor me when I was new, just like you, and I benefited greatly by having her work with me. I was able to assist her during my time training here. She left recently to live in Scotland but now I have the confidence to take a nurse that was just like me, under my wing."
Sybil smiled. "That is very kind of you."
"Thank you. How are you liking St. Margaret's so far? You've been here since Saturday, haven't you?"
"Yes," Sybil nodded. "My father and I arrived Saturday and I've been here since then. I've enjoyed being here, though, it's just the first time I've been alone and away from my entire family, including my father. I'm used to at least having someone from my family near me."
"Over time, you will become more and more comfortable with living here. I know it'll be difficult for the first month," Helen consoled. "I remember the young man you were with the night we met said that you were from Downton. It's too far for them to visit you regularly, isn't it?"
"It's a bit of a far distance," Sybil told her. "My father is going to visit me on Sunday, though, so I am looking forward to that. I think he and I will spend the entire day together."
"That's nice," Helen said and went back to a box. "Here's some towels and bowls for the shelf below that one."
The time that Helen and Sybil spent together went by fairly quickly, for the two asked one another a lot of questions and Sybil gained a lot of information about the hospital and what to expect during her training. Helen even warned her about the day where the nurses-in-training go to the operating theater to witness a surgery. "I cannot even begin to tell you how many students run out of that room and are sick the entire day," Helen said to her, chuckling.
Before Sybil knew it, they were organizing the last closet for the day. It was late afternoon and Sybil was beginning to crave a good meal. "The last closet for the day," Sybil said as she began to unpack more boxes with Helen.
"That's right," Helen smiled. "So, I haven't asked you yet; how is the young man you were with? I remember he told Elliot and I that he was planning on enlisting; did he?"
"He did enlist," Sybil answered. "He and my cousin, George, actually. I received a letter from Edward yesterday and he seems to be doing well. He hasn't left for training yet. He and my cousin had their medical exams today and I suppose after that they will be told where to go for training."
"Ah, so he hasn't left yet. Edward; oh, yes, I remember, and he had a short last name, did he not?"
"Trent," Sybil said, smiling softly. "I miss him." She went to the stool with a box of supplies in her hand and began to stock the shelves. She heard Helen continue to unpack boxes behind her.
"I know how you feel," Helen said. "When Elliot was gone for training, I was so worried for him. I was training here while he was away training at camp, but now we're married. We've only been married a little more than a month now and life is perfect for us, at least right now it is."
"He hasn't been sent anywhere?" Sybil asked. Helen and her husband had told Sybil and Edward that Mr. Woodhams' training was complete and that he would be sent somewhere soon; it seems as though that did not happen, or perhaps it did not happen yet.
"No," Helen beamed. "Isn't that wonderful? I thought he would be sent somewhere as soon as we returned to London from York but no, he's still with me. As a matter of fact, he's been working at the nearest training camp. It's close enough to here that he can come home every evening for dinner."
"That's wonderful. So he's there all day while you're here?"
"Yes, it really is the best situation we can be in during this time, I think," Helen said as she began to stock a bottom shelf. "I was so worried when this war was announced. I thought that he and I wouldn't have a normal marriage at first. Elliot and I wanted the both of us to work and then when we both came home, I wanted to cook dinner for him and have quiet nights at home, and that's just what I have. Well, somewhat quiet nights," Helen laughed. "Those sirens tend to ruin the peace within our household."
Sybil thought that all of what Helen said, except the sirens, sounded lovely. It was a quaint life but a perfect one in Helen's eyes. Sybil sighed lightly and continued to place supplies on the shelves.
"You're not engaged to Edward Trent, are you?" Helen asked.
Sybil, startled by the question, almost dropped the box of glasses she was holding. "No, I am not," she said bashfully.
"Oh, I'm sorry for asking," Helen giggled. "So are the two of you courting one another?"
"Yes, I believe we are," Sybil said calmly. "He said in his letter that he will try to visit soon. I really hope that he gets the chance to."
"I know how you are feeling," Helen said to her. "When Elliot and I were separated, it was the most difficult thing for the both of us. It made our relationship much stronger, though. He had also promised to marry me after we had both completed our training. It gave us something to look forward to."
"Hm, all I want is to be able to be with my family and Edward again after the war is over or after my training is complete, whichever comes first. I could perhaps get a job as a nurse somewhere closer to home." Sybil sighed and took a brief pause from stocking the shelves. "I miss home," she said quietly. "My family would be getting ready for dinner soon. Family dinners are wonderful; they're never dull."
"And I'm sure the food is much better than it is here," Helen smirked. She suddenly gasped and then looked up at Sybil. "I have the most wonderful idea! How about you come to Elliot's and my home one of these evenings for a home cooked meal? I only work at the hospital from the morning until the late afternoons, so I'm always home to cook dinner, as I mentioned before. What do you think of that, Sybil?"
"I think that does sound wonderful!" Sybil answered eagerly. "I'm free Wednesday and Friday evenings and during the weekends. I don't have work scheduled on those days."
"Wednesday? That's tomorrow. Let's do it tomorrow," Helen smiled. "Fridays, Elliot and I usually go out together so Wednesdays would work best. Oh, this is so exciting! We never have guests in our home due to his and my family living so far away. We've also only lived in our home the short time we have been married."
Sybil laughed and stepped off the stool. "So, tomorrow evening then?"
"Tomorrow evening," Helen repeated. "I'll meet you at the hospital entrance around this time tomorrow and then you and I can leave together. I'm sure Elliot will be surprised that you're here at St. Margaret's, but I'm sure he remembers you and will be happy to have you join us for dinner."
"I am very much looking forward to it, Helen, thank you."
This is exactly what Papa wanted for me, Sybil thought. He wanted her to spend time with others and live life. He wanted her to make friends and become independent, and that's exactly what Sybil was going to do.
The following morning brought in a dark gloom that made it difficult for Sybil and the rest of the girls in her room to leave their beds. The weather also seemed to hail in the unfortunate and frightening news of the events that had taken place over the past few days, and those events were discussed by most throughout breakfast and throughout Sybil's classes. When Grace and Sybil were going to the medical school, they heard talk of a British aircraft carrier that had been sunk off Ireland's coast by a German submarine. As they walked across the courtyard, they saw a young nurse being comforted by other nurses. She was crying and telling the others that her brother was a crew member on a carrier, and he may have been on that one. In her courses, there was more talk of the battles that were destroying Poland, and Sybil felt heartbroken for those involved.
By Sybil's last class, a new disturbing piece of information was being spread across the medical school and all of London. Sybil was not sure if it was a rumor or fact, but either way, it was something she did not want to hear. Hitler had denounced the Polish government and had also threatened England. He said Germany will never surrender to England, no matter the length of the war. Sybil felt frightened by all the talk but she had faith in England and she knew England would never surrender either, but she feared what the other would do to ensure a surrender was to take place. She tried to maintain her focus throughout her classes but all she could do was stare at the clock and watch as the minutes ticked by.
"I say we flee England," Sybil heard one girl say as she left her last course of the day.
"Flee England?" She heard another ask. "And go where? There is nowhere to go."
Sybil hurriedly walked past the others and tried to find a quiet place to escape from talk of war. She quickly entered the library and found it empty, again. She sighed and leaned against the wall for the briefest moment. She then left the wall when she remembered that the last time she was in the library and it was this quiet, Sarah Peltzer had been there. Sybil wondered if she was seated at the back of the library as she had been before, so she quietly and quickly walked through the rows of books. As she walked closer to the seating area at the back of the room, she heard someone crying softly. Sybil peeked from behind a bookshelf and saw Sarah was seated and had the newspaper laid out on the table in front of her. Sybil genuinely wanted to know if she was alright so she stepped out from behind the bookshelf. "Hello, Nurse Peltzer. Are you alright?"
Sarah was slightly startled by Sybil's voice and looked at her. "Oh, it's you," Sarah said with a sniffle. She quickly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief that she had in her pocket. "I'm alright." She looked across the table and at the newspaper. She quickly pulled it to her and folded it up. "It's never good news in these papers," she laughed sadly.
Sybil shook her head. "No, not lately. I'm afraid it's only going to get worse."
"It is," Sarah said, followed by a deep breath. Sybil could see that Sarah wanted to cry again, so she took a step closer to her.
"Are you sure there isn't anything wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," Sarah blurted out. "Really, I'm fine."
"Alright," Sybil said, taking a step back. "I wanted to apologize for being nosy on Monday. I didn't mean to see whatever it was that you had in your book."
Sarah shook her head as Sybil spoke. "You don't need to apologize for that now; it was my mistake. I should have never had it in there."
"Well, I won't tell anyone about it," Sybil said to her. "I don't know what it is, but I won't say a word." Sarah was grateful for Sybil not telling anyone but she could see that Sybil sounded a tad bit suspicious as to what the letter was. Sarah did not want to explain everything to her, so she kept her response simple.
"Thank you," Sarah said. "It's just a letter from my family. They do not live in England."
"Oh," Sybil said, sounding relieved. "I'm happy that you're able to correspond with them." She wanted to ask where her family was from, but what Sarah had already told her would have to suffice.
"Yes, I am happy about that too, I suppose," Sarah said as she stood and began to gather her books. "I have to go now," she said to her and began to walk away.
Sybil turned around, confused by Sarah's rushing to leave. "Alright, then. Goodbye."
With that, Sarah was gone and Sybil was alone again. She did not mind, however, for this was the perfect opportunity for her to do some reading and work for her courses. She sat down, took her medical books from her satchel, and began her work.
The tolling bells later that afternoon alerted Sybil that it was time to leave and get ready to meet Helen. Sybil placed all her things back in her satchel and eagerly left the library. She walked swiftly across the courtyard and noticed someone waving at her from a hospital window. She looked up and saw that it was Peter, still hanging up blackout curtains. Wouldn't they have finished with those by now? Sybil asked herself. She smiled at him and waved back before entering the hospital.
Helen was not at the entrance of the hospital when Sybil was there, but she knew she would be there shortly. Sybil raced up the stairs to the living quarters and went into her room. She wanted to change into something more comfortable for dinner, so she replaced her nurse uniform for a white button up blouse and navy skirt. She also took out her coat and put it on since the weather was a bit chilly. Sybil was re-pinning her hair when Grace walked in, surprised to see Sybil dressed in something other than her uniform. "You look very pretty," Grace said as she sat on her bed. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, remember I told you that I was going to that nurse's home for dinner? The one I've met before?"
"Oh, yes," Grace said after a brief moment of thought. "That will be nice. I hope she's a good cook."
Sybil laughed and finished pinning her hair up. "I hadn't thought about that. I'm sure she is, though. What will you be doing for the rest of the day?"
Grace shrugged and fell back onto her bed. "I have to wash dishes and then I have to write a short essay."
"Ah, I did my essay in the library earlier," Sybil smiled. She went to the full-length mirror and looked at herself. "I'm ready. I'll see you later tonight, Grace," she said as she went to the door.
Grace looked at her and then sat up. "Wait! You're forgetting your gas mask."
Sybil huffed out her annoyance at the thought of the gas mask and went to her bed to get it from her satchel. "Really, they won't know if I took it or not," she said to herself. Grace had heard her however and responded with: "It's better to be safe than sorry." Sybil placed the gas mask in her purse and began to leave again. "Goodbye, Grace."
"Goodbye, Sybil!"
Helen was standing at the entrance of the hospital when Sybil arrived. She had also changed into a similar outfit to Sybil and seemed eager to go home. The two smiled when they saw one another. "Sybil, there you are."
"Have you been waiting long?" Sybil asked as they began to leave the hospital.
"Not too long," Helen said. "I was thinking we could walk to my home. It's not very far from here. Do you mind walking?"
"Not at all," Sybil smiled. She enjoyed walking, and it was not too cold outside for a walk to not be enjoyable. The sky was full of clouds, which caused a dim light to be cast over London, but it was no longer raining as it had been the previous day.
"How was your day?" Helen asked.
"It went well," Sybil told her as they walked through the courtyard and exited the gate. "I had my first essay to write today but I finished it earlier in the library."
"How responsible of you. Do you enjoy writing?" Helen asked.
"I don't mind it," Sybil answered. "My cousin Marigold enjoys it much more than I do. She's the writer in our family." Poor Marigold, Sybil sighed. How lonely her cousin must feel. Sybil hoped that Marigold was spending time with the family rather than staying in her room all day. She couldn't bear to think of Marigold in her room alone and upset. "I wonder what she's doing," Sybil said so quietly that Helen did not hear her.
The two crossed the busy street and continued on. People crowded the sidewalks as they waited for the bus, but Helen and Sybil made their way through them and maneuvered their way through more people making their way home. Soon, Sybil saw streets filled with rows of homes. She saw cars driving up to the small homes and children running out from the front door shouting "Papa! You're home!" Young men who were walking young women home would pause in front of a home and give one another a kiss goodbye before departing.
"Here we are," Helen said as she went up the small steps to the door of her home. "Elliot is not home yet but I'll start dinner right away." Helen opened the front door and walked in. "Welcome to our home!" Helen sang as Sybil followed her in and closed the door behind her.
The house was humble yet quite cozy and immediately reminded Sybil of her and her father's home in Massachusetts. The sitting room had a simple fireplace with one photograph on it: the Woodhams' wedding portrait. There were green velvet sofas that looked inviting but Sybil did not want to sit yet. The small dining room was adjacent to the sitting room, separated by an arch. The dining room had a circular table with four chairs. Compared to Downton Abbey's dining table, this table was miniature, but Sybil thought it lovely. Helen showed Sybil the kitchen, which was a bit boxy, but there was room for all that was needed to prepare a meal. The home also had a hallway that led to a bedroom and a bathroom. Helen led Sybil back to the sitting room when the tour was over and she invited her to sit. "I know the home is small, but Elliot and I are very proud of it."
"I think it's charming," Sybil smiled as she sat on the velvet green sofa.
"Do you? Why thank you," Helen said happily. "Oh, I'll make us some tea and then I'll begin cooking."
"Do you need any help?" Sybil asked, leaving the sofa. Helen waved her to sit back down.
"No, no, you're my guest. Please, sit and relax. I'll be right out with the tea. Make yourself comfortable" Helen left to the kitchen and Sybil did not follow. She went to the window instead and looked out into the street. As she looked out, she noticed that sheds were across from each of the houses, including Helen's. They appeared to be made of iron and did not appear to be too large.
"Helen?" Sybil asked loudly so she can be heard.
"Yes, Sybil?"
"What are those iron sheds out there? There's one across from us."
"Oh, those are shelters, dear! That's where we need to evacuate to when there's a drill or an attack. We don't have a basement so we have to use one of those outside of our home."
"How frightening," Sybil said and continued to look at the shelter. It did not seem strong enough to protect from an attack, but if it was a requirement, then it must be useful.
"Why don't you turn on the radio, Sybil?" She heard Helen ask from the kitchen. "Elliot and I usually have it on in the evenings."
Sybil left the window and went to the radio. Soon, the sound of music filled the home and it made the home seem even cozier than before. She sat back down and turned toward the radio. A song that would be perfect to dance to began to play and she listened, imagining that she and Edward were together dancing to it.
"The mere idea of you, the longing here for you… You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you."
Sybil smiled and closed her eyes as she hummed along with the song.
"I see your face in every flower, your eyes in stars above… It's just the thought of you, the very thought of you, my love…"
"Here's the tea!"
Sybil opened her eyes and saw Helen walking to her with a cup of tea. "I poured it for you." She placed sugar and a spoon for Sybil on the table in front of the sofa.
"Thank you, Helen," Sybil smiled. She put some sugar into her tea and began to stir it. "Oh, I really like your wedding portrait," Sybil said to her.
Helen smiled proudly and looked at the portrait. "Thank you. It was a simple wedding but it was the most beautiful day of my entire life." She looked back at Sybil. "So, for dinner, I'm going to be making a potato soup and serve it with slices of beef. I hope that's alright."
"That sounds delicious. I'm quite hungry so I'm content with anything," Sybil chuckled.
"Excellent," Helen said, returning to the kitchen. "It won't take too long."
"Thank you, Helen!" Sybil said. She took a sip of her tea and continued to listen to the radio. She was grateful to have been able to meet Helen Woodhams again and to have a new friend to spend time with. Sybil knew that when she had first met the Woodhams' she may not have been the friendliest because she wanted to be alone with Edward and she was flustered about the war, but now she could make up for that and get to know them better.
Sometime later, the front door was opened and in walked Elliot Woodhams. He was confused as to why there was a young woman in his home that wasn't his wife but after a few moments, he recognized Sybil and smiled. "You must be who Helen was telling me about. Sybil Branson? I recognize you," he said and went to her.
Sybil stood and held her hand out to him. "Yes, and you're Mr. Woodhams."
"Please, call me Elliot," Elliot smiled and shook her hand. "It's nice to have you in our home."
"Is that you, darling?" Helen asked from the kitchen. She came out from the kitchen and Elliot turned around to see her. Both smiled and went to one another. Helen wrapped her arms around Elliot's broad shoulders while he placed his hands on her waist. The two kissed and Sybil looked away, feeling like an intruder on an intimate moment. She could see how in love they both were with one another.
"How was your day?" She heard Helen ask Elliot quietly.
"Wonderful, and yours?"
"Wonderful." Helen looked away from Elliot and back at Sybil. "Elliot, this is Sybil Branson. I'm sure you remember her."
"Yes, I spoke to her already," Elliot said to her as began to take his coat off. "You're our first guest here. Helen has been looking forward to this since she returned home yesterday."
"She is a wonderful hostess," Sybil smiled.
"Why, thank you," Helen grinned. "Darling, why don't you put your coat away? I need to return to the food." Elliot nodded and kissed Helen's cheek before he left to the bedroom. Helen blushed and returned to the kitchen.
As Sybil returned to her seat and listened to the radio again, the voice of French singer, Maurice Chevalier now sounded throughout the home. Sybil imagined what it would be like to be in Paris right now, specifically Paris with Edward.
"Sweet one, fairer than the flowers, never will I meet one sweeter than you..."
Sybil began to wonder if she would get to experience what Helen and Elliot have. True love and especially marriage and a home of her own were things she knew would not happen for some time, but she looked forward to it if it was meant to happen to her.
"Would you turn away or could you really learn to care if I ever dare to say 'I love you'?"
Elliot returned from the bedroom and walked past the sitting room. He looked at Sybil and stopped walking. "Are you comfortable? Can I get you anything?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Sybil smiled. "Thank you."
Elliot nodded and continued walking. "If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask." He said before he went into the kitchen. Sybil stood once more and walked around the sitting room, admiring the furniture and small items they had here and there. When she neared the kitchen, she heard Elliot and Helen talking quietly to one another. Helen began giggling after Elliot asked her a question that was unclear to Sybil. She walked forward a bit so that she could see into the kitchen. She saw Elliot and Helen were dancing with one another in their cramped kitchen to the music from the radio.
"I would work and slave the whole day through if I could hurry home to you…"
"Elliot, I'm going to burn the food," Helen laughed. Elliot smirked and kissed her cheek after letting her go.
"For you brought a new kind of love to me…"
Sybil smiled softly and went to her cup of tea on the table. She took another sip of it and sat back down. Elliot soon joined her in the sitting room and sat across from her with the newspaper. "What are the chances you and Helen would both be at St. Margaret's together? I suppose one can never assume people you meet once will never be seen again."
"It's fate," Sybil said before she took another sip of tea.
Elliot opened the newspaper and began looking through it. He vocalized his disappointment at what he read. He sighed and closed the paper, tossing it onto the table. He then leaned forward and looked at Sybil. "Don't you worry about anything, Miss Sybil. We're prepared to win this war no matter what happens."
Sybil nodded. "I have faith in that."
When dinner was ready, Sybil insisted she help Helen set the table.
"This looks delicious," Elliot said as he pulled two chairs out for Helen and Sybil.
Once Sybil had placed napkins and utensils on the table and Helen had set the three plates and drinks down, they sat and began to enjoy their meal. It was dark outside now, but Elliot had opened the small window in the dining room so a faint breeze blew into the room and intertwined with the radio's music in the air.
The food tasted wonderful, and after her first bite, Sybil came to the conclusion that Helen Woodhams was a good cook after all. "Helen, this is fantastic."
"Thank you, Sybil." Helen took a sip of her drink and looked at Elliot. "Elliot, darling, the young man we met with Sybil enlisted. What was his name again, Sybil? Edmund?"
"Edward Trent," Sybil said after she swallowed her food.
"Oh, yes, I do recall him saying he would enlist," Elliot said. "Has he been summoned anywhere yet to train?"
"Not that I know of," Sybil told him. "He and my cousin had medical examinations today."
"Your cousin enlisted, as well?" Elliot asked.
Sybil nodded. "Yes, his name is George Crawley. My family had not wanted him to enlist because they thought he was too young. He's eighteen, though, and was able to enlist. I believe Edward would have enlisted anyway even if George was not able to. Edward is twenty-two, so of course, he would have had to train either way."
"I see," Elliot said with a nod. "I haven't been summoned to go anywhere yet, as we thought I was, except to help train at a nearby camp. I'll do that as long as I can until I'm needed elsewhere."
"But not anytime soon," Helen said quickly. She reached over and grabbed Elliot's hand. "I don't know what I'd do if he were to leave."
"Well, now you have Miss Sybil here to keep you company if I do leave, darling," Elliot said to her.
Helen nodded and continued to eat her dinner. "Yes," she spoke softly. "I'm glad I have Sybil now."
"And I'm glad I have the both of you now," Sybil said to them.
Sybil had finished her dinner quickly, due to her immense hunger. Again, Helen reminded Sybil that she was a guest and told her to remain seated while she collected the plates. "Ah, darling, you are a fantastic cook," Elliot said to her as she took his plate. Helen kissed his cheek in thanks.
"Yes, everything was so nice," Sybil said to her.
Helen blushed at her husband's and guest's compliments. "Thank you. It is so nice having you here, Sybil. We ought to do this every Wednesday!"
"What a superb idea," Elliot said as he finished his drink. Sybil was not sure what to think of the grand invitation but she was immediately humbled and grateful.
"Really?" Sybil asked. "I can have dinner with the two of your every Wednesday?"
"Of course, you can," Helen said happily. "I don't want you to be too homesick at the hospital. Having you here will keep you entertained. It's a good change of scenery too."
"Helen, that is so kind of you and Elliot to open your home to me like that. Thank you. I'd love to come every Wednesday."
"Brilliant!" Helen cheered and went to the kitchen. "Oh, I hope you both aren't too full. I have dessert, too!"
Elliot sat up in his seat. "Dessert? Hm, we're getting spoiled because we have a guest," he smirked. Sybil blushed faintly and placed her napkin on the table. She was used to dinners with many courses and dessert sounded like a delicious way to end the evening.
"Oh, and Sybil?" Helen asked from the kitchen.
Sybil turned toward the direction of her voice. "Yes?"
"Dessert may be a short while since I have to put it in the oven. In the meantime, you're welcome to use our telephone to call your family if you would like to. Elliot will tell you where it is."
Sybil stood and looked at Elliot. Of course, she wanted to speak to her family. She wanted to seize every opportunity she had to use a telephone to contact them and see how they were. "I'd love to use your telephone."
"It's on the table near the front door," Elliot said to her. Sybil nodded in thanks and left the dining room. She went to the sitting room and saw the small table with the telephone near the front door. She almost ran to it and was soon waiting to hear the voice of one of her family members. She had a small feeling that her father would be the one to answer the telephone.
"Hello?"
She was correct. "Papa, it's me!" Sybil must have been too loud, for she heard an "aw" from Helen in the kitchen.
"Hello, my love!" Her father said to her, his voice was full of excitement from being able to speak to his daughter. "I was hoping I would hear from you today. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Papa," Sybil said to him. "How are you? And are you always near the telephone? Whenever I call, you tend to be the one that answers."
"I'm fine, as well, and, if you must know," her father began, "I always insist I answer the telephone in case it's you."
Sybil smiled and looked out the window as she spoke. "That's so sweet. Oh, Papa, I just had a delicious dinner at the home of a nurse from St. Margaret's. I'm still at her home, actually. Her name is Helen Woodhams and her husband is Elliot Woodhams. Edward and I met them when we went to that dance at Jubilee Dance Hall in York. Helen Woodhams is a nurse at the same hospital. They are so kind."
"Oh!" Sybil's father said. "Oh, that's wonderful, Sybbie. I'm glad you're enjoying your evening with them."
"I am," Sybil sighed. Her father remained silent and Sybil wondered if he was still there. "Papa?" She asked. She heard her father say something but she did not hear it clearly. "Papa, are you there?" Seconds passed.
"Yes," she finally heard her father say. "Yes, Sybbie, I'm here, but someone else wants to talk to you."
"Oh, is it Marigold? Tell her I miss her dearly," Sybil said into the telephone. "Papa? Hello? Did you hear what I said?" She heard no response from her father other than unclear voices. When she looked away from the telephone, she saw that Elliot had just entered the room.
"Is everything alright or is the telephone not working?" He asked.
"Everything is alright," Sybil told him. "I'm just waiting for someone to return to the telephone back home, I think."
Elliot chuckled. "I'm sure you're entire family wants to talk to you," he said and left the room again. Sybil smiled in agreement and held the telephone close to her, hoping to at least hear something other than the unclearness that filled her ear. Suddenly, the sounds stopped and a new voice spoke into the telephone.
"Sybil?"
Finally! "Yes, hello?" Sybil asked into the telephone.
"Sybil, it's me."
The voice startled Sybil and she held an expression of surprise and bewilderment at the sound of it. "Hello?" She asked slowly. It can't be. "Edward, is that you?" There was a pause before an answer.
"Yes, this is Edward. Have you forgotten me already, Syb?" Sybil heard him chuckle over the telephone.
She could have dropped the phone from excitement. "Edward! Oh my goodness, it's you!"
"It's me, Sybil," Edward said to her. He wondered what Sybil would think if she saw the wide smile on his face as he spoke to her. "Are you surprised?" He asked.
"Yes!" Sybil cried. "I-I'm just in shock, I suppose. I wasn't expecting to hear the sound of your voice. Oh, Edward, what are you doing at Downton Abbey?"
"Well, George and I passed our medical exams and we're both scheduled to leave for training this Friday."
"That's wonderful, Edward," Sybil said to him. She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand to prevent herself from crying. "Did you say Friday? Perhaps you can come to London and see me tomorrow or Friday then?"
"I don't think I can, Syb," Edward said sadly. "I'm returning home tomorrow and then leaving Friday. I wish I could but it's not the right time yet." Edward had pondered over the possibility of seeing Sybil, but he knew that he had to return home once more before really leaving. His mother was already full of anxiety at the thought of her son leaving and she wanted to spend every moment possible with him. He heard Sybil sigh.
"I understand. I can't wait to see you again, Edward. How are you? I miss you. You don't know how happy I am to be speaking to you right now."
"I'm doing much better now that I'm talking to you," Edward said softly. "I miss you too, Sybil. I was wondering all day if you would telephone Downton Abbey. Luckily I was nearby so your father waved me to come to the telephone to speak to you."
"Perfect timing," Sybil blushed.
"Indeed," Edward said. "Your father told me about St. Margaret's. You're doing well there so far?"
"So far, yes," Sybil told him. "Oh, you'll never guess where I am at this moment! Remember the couple we met at Jubilee Dance Hall in York? The Woodhams?"
Edward paused for a moment to think. "I believe so. The man completed his training and the woman is a nurse?"
"Yes, their names are Helen and Elliot Woodhams," Sybil said.
"Oh, that's right! Are you with them right now?"
"I am!" Sybil nodded. "Can you believe it? Helen Woodhams is a nurse at St. Margaret's and her husband helps with training nearby. I just finished having dinner with them and now I'm just waiting for dessert. I'm actually going to be spending Wednesday evenings at their home."
"What luck!" Edward said. "That's so wonderful, Sybil." He was truly happy for her. If he nor Sybil's family were there to be with her during her time away, he was glad that she was befriending others who were also good company.
"Perhaps you can join us if you visit during the week."
"He is welcome to do so!" Helen said from the kitchen.
Sybil laughed. "Helen says you're welcome to join us."
"I'd love to if I'm able," Edward said. Sybil heard him exhale deeply before he continued talking. "I'm sorry, I'm just exhausted from the day and the worry back home. Did you receive my letter?"
"I'm sorry, Edward, and yes, I received it yesterday," Sybil answered. "I loved it. It truly made my day."
"I'm glad it did."
A silence grew between them and Sybil had no idea what else to say other than how much she missed him. Edward began speaking before she could. "I'm so happy to be speaking to you, Sybil. I miss you more than words can say."
His words caused Sybil to blush."I feel the same way," Sybil said.
"I need to see you again, Sybil. I will try to get to London as soon as I can. I really cannot stand being away from you now. I care about you so much and spending time with you is really…" The sound of Edward's voice was suddenly overpowered by a familiar nightmarish howling from outside the window of the Woodhams' home. Sybil's eyes widened in fear and she turned toward the kitchen when she heard Helen gasp loudly and call for Elliot.
"Elliot, the sirens!"
"I can hear them!" Elliot said to her as he closed the dining room window.
"Sybil?" Edward asked when she had not responded to what he had just said to her. Sybil clutched the telephone tightly. Her heart was pounding violently when she finally spoke again.
"Edward?"
Edward could hear the fear in Sybil's voice and he became immediately concerned "Sybil, what's wrong? What's happening there?"
"Darling, close all the curtains! I'll turn off the lights!" Sybil heard Elliot exclaim. Helen ran out of the kitchen and began to close the curtains while Elliot began turning off the lights. Helen looked at Sybil and then to the radio. She ran to it and turned it off.
"Is this a drill?" Sybil asked loudly so that her voice could be heard. Edward, confused and frightened, kept asking Sybil if she was alright.
"Sybil, are you alright? What drill? What is going on?"
"It must be!" Elliot said to her. "You need to get off the telephone now."
Sybil nodded frantically and focused again on the sound of Edward's voice.
"Sybil, please answer me! Please, I-"
"Edward, I have to go. Everything is alright," Sybil said to him, trying to sound as calm as possible, but Edward did not believe her.
"Why? What is that noise I hear?" Edward asked.
Before Sybil could answer, she saw the entire street go black from the window and she closed the curtain. Soon, Sybil was standing in complete darkness.
"Elliot, all the curtains are closed!" She heard Helen say. "And all the lights out!"
"Let's get to the shelter," Elliot said. Sybil could see the two approaching her in the darkness.
"Sybil, end the telephone call," Helen said to her as they went to the front door. Sybil nodded.
"Sybil, are you alright?" She heard Edward ask in a panic.
"Edward, I'm sorry, I have to leave. We're having an air raid drill," Sybil told him. "I'll speak to you soon, I promise!" She ended the telephone call and ran out the front door with Elliot and Helen.
"Sybil? Sybil!" Edward waited for her to respond for a few moments before realizing that Sybil was gone. He set the telephone down and soon heard Sybil's father return to him.
"Edward, what's happened?" He asked.
Edward and shook his head in confusion. "I'm not quite certain," he said to him. "I began hearing a faint horrible noise through the telephone and Sybil wouldn't respond to me. She eventually told me that they were having an air raid drill, then she left the telephone."
"It must have been the sirens she spoke of when I last spoke to her," Tom Branson said, appearing worried.
Edward raised a brow and looked back at the telephone. "Sirens and air raids, Mr. Branson, she must be so frightened!"
"I know she is!" Tom raised his voice but Edward knew he did not do it out of anger, he did it out of fear. "I'm sorry," Tom spoke calmly now. "I know how frightened she must feel. It's only a drill, though, Edward. She'll be alright or at least, that's what I've been trying to convince myself."
Edward took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "And when it's not a drill anymore?" He asked.
Sybil's father looked at him and seemed defeated. "Then I won't have anything to do other than pray for her safety."
"I can only imagine how you must feel. You're her father and I'm just… me."
Tom smiled softly and patted Edward's shoulder. "I know you care for her as much as I do," he said. He then stepped away from Edward and looked at the grand staircase. "I actually have something to give to you. It's upstairs, though. Wait here. I'll return shortly."
Edward couldn't imagine what Sybil's father would have for him and he was curious as to what it was. When he was gone, Edward went to a pillar and leaned against it with his eyes closed. The brief telephone conversation he had with Sybil left him the opposite of what he hoped to feel after speaking to her. He now felt on edge and anxious, wishing there was some way to stop the madness in the world. He opened his eyes and looked at the staircase, remembering how beautiful Sybil looked as she descended the staircase for her birthday celebration. It was the night that started everything and the night that he wanted to return to.
"Here it is," Edward heard Tom Branson say, minutes later. He walked out from behind the pillar and went up to him. "What is it?"
"It's the photograph of you and Sybil. I received them today. This one is for you to keep. I have another for Sybbie," Tom said to him. He held the small photograph out to Edward. The sight of Sybil and him together immediately made him smile and feel content.
"She looks beautiful," Edward said as he took the photograph.
"She does. You and Sybil make a handsome couple," Tom smiled.
Edward smirked and looked back at Sybil's father. "She and I look so happy in this photograph. I'm definitely going to take it to training with me. Having this with me will make it all easier, I'm sure."
"Yes, please, take it with you," Tom said. "Sybil will receive hers on Sunday when I go to London to see her."
"I wish I could see her," Edward frowned. "I've been worried that this war may cause Sybil and me to drift apart."
"It will make the bond you two share even stronger," Tom told him. "It's war, Edward. In times of war, sacrifices may need to be made, both big and small. If those sacrifices must be made in order for you two to have the future you want, then you shall endure them." His own words brought him back to the moment he told Sybil Crawley something very similar. He knew that they were destined to be together and that they loved each other. Circumstances seemed to be separating them, but Tom knew he mustn't give up. Their love prevailed and they were able to have the future that was worth having, even if it was only for a short while.
"Tom? Mr. Branson, are you alright?"
Tom left his thoughts and looked at Edward. "Yes, I'm alright," he smiled sadly. "I was only reminded of a time with Sybil's mother. Anyway, we should join the rest of the family."
"We should," Edward said and placed the photograph of him and Sybil into his pocket. "Thank you, Tom."
"Of course, Edward," Tom said with a nod. "Now, let's go see the shenanigans that George and Marigold have gotten themselves into. I've been hearing laughter from the drawing room. We could both use a laugh, can't we?"
Sybil ran closely behind Elliot and Helen across the street. She could hear other families slamming the doors of their homes and running to their shelters, as well. It was truly an organized chaos. "Hurry," Elliot said to them as he opened the door to the shelter. Helen and Sybil quickly ducked their heads and went in, followed by Elliot. It was as black as pitch inside the shelter but Sybil felt a long bench as she walked in and immediately sat down. Once her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see boxes of supplies in the corner of the shelter. She glanced at Elliot and Helen, who were seated next to her, with their arms wrapped around one another.
"Did you turn the oven off?" Elliot asked quietly.
"I did as soon as the sirens started," Helen whispered back.
Sybil sat staring into the darkness, imagining how Edward must have felt with her abrupt end to the telephone call. She felt guilty for leaving him with such uncertainty but she hoped he understood. She began to wonder what he would tell her father and how worried that would make him. She would speak to him again soon, she told herself, and they would speak to one another free of interruptions.
While one is in the darkness of the shelter with the sirens blaring outside, it is easy to lose comprehension of time, and Sybil did not know how much time passed before the 'all clear' siren sounded and that was the end of it. Elliot announced when it was time to leave the shelter, and one by one, they walked out.
When Sybil emerged from the shelter, she saw the streets filled with families who were quickly returning to the comforts of their home. A baby from a family nearby was crying and it caused Helen to stop in the street and watch the family. "Poor darling," she commented. "These young children have no idea what is happening."
"Come along, Helen," Elliot murmured and put his arm around her. The Woodhams along with Sybil went into the house and slowly began to continue on with their evening.
"I suppose dessert is ruined," Helen said, trying to make light of the situation.
Sybil shrugged her shoulders and looked at the clock. "Don't worry about that, Helen. It's late anyway. I think I should return to the hospital."
"Yes, I think that's a good idea. Elliot, you escort Sybil back to the hospital," Helen said to him.
"Oh, that really isn't necessary," Sybil said. "I remember the way back. Thank you, though." Elliot brought Sybil her coat and satchel. Sybil suddenly realized that she had left her gas mask in the house. "Did you two have your gas masks during the drill?" Sybil asked.
"Ours are in the shelter," Elliot said. "We should take them out of there, though. Did you forget yours here?"
Sybil laughed nervously. "I did. Imagine if we would have gotten caught without them?" she asked as she went to the front door.
Helen waved the idea away. "I wouldn't worry, Sybil. It was so nice having you here with us. I'll see you tomorrow." She opened the front door for Sybil.
"Thank you, Helen," Sybil smiled. "And thank you, Elliot. I had a wonderful time with the two of you. Thank you for dinner."
"Of course," Helen waved as Sybil descended the steps of their home. "Goodbye, Sybil!"
"Goodbye!" Sybil waved. She placed her hands in her coat pockets and began her walk back to St. Margaret's. Helen and Elliot closed the door to their home when she was at the corner of their street to be sure she knew the direction to go.
Policemen were scattered throughout the dark streets of London, knocking on doors of the homes that kept their lights on. Sybil walked by them with her head down, hoping she did not seem suspicious since everyone else was in their homes or where they needed to be. However, she caught one of the officer's eye and he began to walk towards her. "Halt, Miss!" He shouted.
Sybil obeyed and stopped walking.
"Where are you going at this hour? Why are you not at home?" The officer asked as he approached her.
"I'm returning to St. Margaret's Hospital," Sybil answered, looking directly at him. "My name is Sybil Branson. I'm a nurse-in-training there." She knew the officer was going to ask her to identify herself and she hoped that would suffice. The officer believed her but he still needed to question her.
"And why are you not at St. Margaret's?"
"I was at a friend's home. I'm just now able to return to the hospital. I couldn't leave because of the sirens."
"I see. What is your last name again?"
"Branson," Sybil answered.
The officer nodded and decided to not question her further. "Alright, Miss Branson. Be careful. You shouldn't be out this late."
"I know, thank you, officer," Sybil said quickly. She speedily walked back through the desolate London streets and to the hospital, which was in an uproar due to the sirens. When she entered the hospital, she saw a group of other nurses-in-training going up the stairs and returning to their rooms. Sybil followed them and tried to mingle with the group so that no one would notice that she had been out.
Once she was in the room, Sybil could finally relax. She went to her bed and took her nightgown from her nightstand drawers. She heard a gasp from behind her and when she turned, she saw Grace was walking over to her. "Sybil, you're back! I was so worried, I-"
"Sh!" Sybil looked at Grace and shushed her softly. "I'm alright," she said to her. "Did anyone notice I was gone?"
"I did!" Grace said as she got into bed. "Not sure if anyone else did, though."
"Good," Sybil said as she quickly changed into her nightgown. "I had a wonderful time, though," she yawned once she was in bed.
"I'm glad," she heard Grace say. "Goodnight, Sybil."
"Goodnight, Grace." Sybil closed her eyes and again thought of the telephone call with Edward. She replayed everything that was said in her mind over and over again. The fact that Edward was at Downton Abbey and she was in London made her wish that she was there with him and her family, but she had faith that she would see him again very soon.
