Hello, readers! I know it has been a very long time since I have updated this story but recently, I have been inspired to return to it. For the past couple of weeks, I have gone through each chapter and proofread/edited them. I have also made small changes such as replacing Mr. Carson with Thomas Barrow and even adding in Bertie Pelham and Henry Talbot. I will be continuing to write new chapters for this story and truly hope you enjoy it. Thank you! - Kaity
Sybil was in better spirits the following day despite her telephone call with Edward being interrupted by the air raid drill. She told herself she would try to speak again with him today and telephone Downton when she had the time, however, as her morning classes went on, the thought had slipped her mind completely. It was Thursday, which meant that her first week of classes at St. Margaret's had come to an end. Tomorrow, she only had to work, which consisted of again helping Helen organize the medical supply closets.
Once Sybil was finished with her classes for the day, she realized that no one had asked about her whereabouts during the drill that took place during the previous evening. Grace seemed to have been the only one that had noticed she had not returned from her dinner with the Woodhams, which was perfectly alright with Sybil since she trusted Grace would not be running to Sister Agnes to tell her. She wondered if any of the other nurses-in-training had been out of the hospital, as well. Where they in places where they would be safe if an air raid were to actually happen? Sybil hoped so. She also hoped, however, that no such air raid would happen. The Germans seemed to be so far away but if they did come here with their planes and ships, Sybil wouldn't know what to do. She was relieved that her family was far from London but she wasn't sure if they would be safe should something happen there. She willed away the disturbing thought and left the medical school to begin her work with Helen Woodhams.
When Sybil found Helen, she was in a corridor pushing a crate of medical supplies that were meant to go into one of the ward closets. "Helen!" Sybil called out as she quickly began to follow her. She slowed her pace when a group of nurses walked by her, eyeing her as they did so. "Forgive me, I forgot to refer to you as 'Nurse Woodhams'," Sybil said as she joined Helen's side.
"Hello, Nurse Branson," Helen smiled as she looked at her. "Ready to organize again? We have quite a few things to put into these closets."
"Ready," Sybil said as the two walked side-by-side. "Thank you again for dinner last night. It was wonderful."
"Oh, of course, dear!" Helen beamed. "Elliot and I were very happy to have you as a guest in our home. I'm sorry the sirens had to spoil everything. They're really a nuisance, you know. We could have had dessert if it weren't for them. Lord knows we could have all used something sweet to finish the evening."
Sybil shook her head lightly. "It's perfectly alright, Helen. We can't control these things."
"No, we can't," Helen sighed. "Were you able to speak to Edward or anyone in your family this morning? I'm sure they all must have been worried since you had to end the conversation short during the drill."
Sybil's gasped lightly and stopped walking. "I meant to do that this morning. Oh, no." Her hands held her face in distress. "I'll have to telephone them later." Sybil then realized that Edward would have already left Downton since he had mentioned to her that he would be visiting his mother. She sadly sighed and continued walking, knowing that any chance she had to speak with Edward before he left for training was gone. "Well, no matter, I mustn't let any of that distract me from the task at hand, should I?"
"No, I suppose not," Helen frowned. She entered the ward with the crate and went straight to the supply closet. Sybil lingered behind as she watched the nurses interact with the patients. She then quickly made her way to the supply closet and helped Helen open the box.
"More bandages," Sybil said quietly as she began stacking the shelves. "Didn't we unpack boxes of bandages on Tuesday, as well?"
"We did," Helen said as stepped onto a stool to reach a high shelf. "But in times like these, it's better to be overstocked than understocked. If there were to be bombings here like there was during The Great War, we would need everything that's in these closets and more. I'm sure St. Margaret's was filled to the brim and very unprepared."
Sybil glanced up at Helen in concern. "And do you think we're prepared now should anything like that happen again?"
Helen hesitated and stepped down from the stool. "No one is ever really prepared for those things but I think St. Margaret's is more prepared than before."
Sybil nodded and peeked out of the supply closet. "How many beds do we have?" She asked as she stared at the rows of filled beds.
"Not enough. There never is enough anywhere," Helen said. She glanced over and saw Sybil looking outside of the supply closet. Helen cleared her throat to get her attention and stood back on the stool. "Well, let's not worry about that, alright, Sybil? Come back and stock shelves with me."
Sybil looked back and took more supplies from the boxes. "Well, my first week of classes went well," she said, happy to change the subject.
"That's wonderful to hear, Sybil! So tomorrow all you have to do is assist me?"
Sybil nodded. "Yes. Helen, I really want to thank you for helping make my week here comfortable. I'm so glad fate brought us back together again. You and your husband have been so kind to me and I am so grateful for you two."
Helen smiled and looked down at her from the stool. "Oh, Sybil, your friendship means a lot to me already even though we've only known each other for a short time."
"I feel the same," Sybil smiled and continued shelving supplies. "Are you and Mr. Woodhams doing anything tomorrow?"
"We are! I think we may have a picnic. Would you like to join us?"
"Join you?" Sybil asked, wondering if that would be seen as intruding on their time together. "I'm sure Mr. Woodhams would prefer it be just you, wouldn't he? You two on a picnic together would be romantic."
Helen chuckled. "We'd love to have you join us, Sybil. Plus, we can celebrate your first week in London! You can even invite a friend if you wish. Elliot will not mind, I promise you."
Sybil thought about the idea; perhaps she would invite Grace out on the picnic with the Woodhams. They would certainly all get along and it would be the perfect way to end her first week in London: amongst friends. "Alright, I'll go," Sybil smiled. "I'll ask my friend, Grace Crawford. She's a new friend of mine, as well."
"Wonderful! Meet me in the courtyard at five o'clock. We'll have an excellent time together, I just know it."
When Sybil was finished with assisting Helen, she immediately went to find the telephone so she could speak to her family. She waited until the hall was clear so she could go to the telephone since she did not want to get reprimanded by Sister Agnes again. She anxiously swayed in place as she waited to hear a familiar voice over the telephone while also being aware of her surroundings.
"Hello?"
To Sybil's surprise, it was Mr. Barrow. "Mr. Barrow, hello! It's Sybil," Sybil greeted happily.
"Miss Branson! How are you?" He asked.
"I'm well, thank you! How is everything there?"
"Just fine," Barrow answered.
"Wonderful. Is my father available to talk?" Sybil asked.
"I believe he and your grandfather are speaking in the library shall I- oh, it appears Master George wishes to speak to you."
Sybil smiled. If her father was busy speaking to Donk, George would most definitely suffice. "I would love to speak to him."
Soon, the telephone was given to George. "Hello there, Sybbie! How goes it?"
"Hello, George! I'm well. How are you?"
"I'm well, as well. Oh, and how is your friend? Grace was her name, wasn't it?"
"Yes, she is well," Sybil giggled. "How are you? Ready to leave for training?"
"More than ready," George sighed. "Edward isn't as eager as me about it but it's fine. He said you had an air raid drill last night. What was that like?"
Sybil then began to tell George all about her evening with the Woodhams and how her visit was interrupted by the sirens. She told him how horrifying the sirens sounded and how much fear they struck within her the moment they began. To George, however, this all seemed quite exciting as nothing like that ever happened at Downton.
"Well that sounds like an eventful evening," George said in awe. "I didn't notice any shelters when we went. I must not have been paying attention."
"Clearly, they're everywhere" Sybil smirked. "I don't know why you find it so fascinating. It's certainly not fun going through it, I can assure you."
George laughed and then became serious. "I know, Sybbie, I know. Life is just always the same here; comfortingly the same but it can get boring. I can't wait to get out there and actually do something."
Sybil sighed in response and glanced around the hallway again to be sure Sister Agnes wasn't around.
"Edward left this morning, you know. Did he tell you he was going back to visit his mother before he left?"
"He did tell me," Sybil frowned. "I wish I could have seen him but that's just how things are. I had asked if he could visit tomorrow but he said he was going home. I understand, though. I actually was invited out tomorrow for a picnic by Helen Woodhams, isn't that lovely?"
"A picnic? How nice! What time would that be?"
Sybil looked at the telephone quizzically, as if George could see her face. "Well, we're leaving here at five o'clock, why?"
"Just wondering," George said cooly. "Look, Sybbie, I have to go. Mother is making a fuss again about me leaving and wants me to spend my every waking moment with her."
Sybil chuckled. She missed her aunt, Mary. "I understand. Give everyone my love and tell them I miss them, will you?"
"Of course, Sybbie. I love you."
"I love you too, George."
"Goodbye." George hung up the telephone and immediately telephoned Edward. He leaned against the wall impatiently as he waited to be put through and have Edward answer. Come now, Trent, what could you possibly be doing right now that's so important? George thought.
Edward was seated on the settee in his home reading the newspaper while his mother prepared their dinner. The news was unsettling to him as he read that the situation in Poland was growing dire. With a loud sigh, he folded up the newspaper and walked over to the front window. Looking out at the front garden of his home and seeing the passing cars being driven by familiar faces brought him comfort but he knew soon, he would have a different view entirely. Once he boarded the train on Saturday with George Crawley, the carefree days of their youth would be gone forever. He knew George had not fully realized this yet. George simply thought that the idea of brandishing a weapon or driving a tank into the blaze of the enemy was exciting but Edward felt quite the opposite. Though he had never seen war, Edward knew the risks and dangers they would both face. He felt protective of his younger friend and certainly would lay his life on the life him; he would never be able to face George's family should something happen to him.
The ringing of the telephone disrupted Edward's thoughts. "I'll answer it, Mother," he said loudly for her to hear. He strode to the telephone and answered. "Hello?"
"Ed!"
Speak of the devil. "George! Hello, my friend. Did we not speak this morning? What more is there to say?" He joked.
"Very funny, Trent. I just spoke to Sybil."
Edward raised a brow and spoke quietly into the telephone. "You didn't tell her, did you?"
George scoffed. "Of course not! I would never betray your trust. You must think so little of me. I didn't tell her a thing, but I do have some information for you."
"Hm," Edward smiled and looked out the window again. "What sort of information?"
"Well, she was invited out for a picnic by someone at five o'clock, I forget who."
Edward turned away from the window and paced slightly since the telephone did not permit him to go far. "Five o'clock? That's perfect!"
"Just as I thought! She'll be so surprised!"
Eleanor Trent walked out of the kitchen and to the dining table. When she looked up and saw her son speaking on the telephone, she smiled and shook her head softly. "Edward, dinner is ready."
"I'll be there in a moment, Mother," Edward said gently. "She will be," he said into the telephone. "My train arrives just before then so I'll be sure to be at St. Margaret's by five. I'm sure she was invited out by the Woodhams. We met them when we went to the dance at Jubilee Dance Hall."
"Oh, yes, the outing I wasn't told about," George sneered.
Edward rolled his eyes. "You were told eventually, George. Anyway, I have to have dinner. Thank you so much for the information."
"Of course, Ed. I'll see you on Saturday then for the first day of training!"
"I'll see you, George. Goodbye." Edward hung up the telephone and made his way to the dining table. His mother was seated and waiting for him. "Sorry, Mother," he said as sat. "This looks delicious."
His mother nodded her thanks and began to eat her food. "What did George Crawley have to say for himself?"
"Oh," Edward began to say as he ate, "he just had some information that will make my visit to London tomorrow much more convenient."
"I see," Eleanor Trent said. She had wished she could spend one last full day with her son but she could see his heart had been taken by another. Since he had arrived home, he had spoken frequently about Sybil Crawley but had also seemed to keep many things about her to himself. From what he had told her, she seemed to be a lovely girl but Eleanor had no idea if the feelings her son seemed to have for her were reciprocated or would even last throughout the war. She wanted to meet this girl but didn't think that would be likely, at least not for a while. "What shall the two of you do tomorrow?"
Edward took a sip of his drink and looked at his mother. "A picnic, he smiled. "She was invited to a picnic by a couple we met during my stay at Downton. She has no idea I'll be waiting for her tomorrow. I can't wait to see the look on her face. I can't wait to hear her voice and have her by my side again."
"You sound quite captivated by her," his mother teased.
"Oh, Mother, what isn't there to be captivated by? If you were to see her, you would understand. She's beautiful. You'll immediately be enchanted by her beautiful dark waves, her blue eyes, and her smile. I adore her smile. She's quite funny too, and passionate. She has a heart of courage, as well."
Eleanor had never seen Edward so enthralled before, especially about a person. He had always been a quiet boy and she had watched him grow into a reserved and strong man who, in her eyes, was so much like his father. He was tall like his father, had inherited his handsome features, and even had a similar voice to him, however, his dark hair and hazel eyes had been inherited from her. Now, like his father, he appeared to be smitten. This concerned her because Eleanor did not want Edward to rush into things as she and his father did. She had no regrets but she would not want her son to end up heartbroken if the feelings faded during their time apart or, God forbid, something were to happen to one of them. "I hope I can meet her someday," Eleanor finally said.
"I truly hope you do, Mother," Edward said. "She is the most wonderful girl I have ever met."
"Are you in love with her?" Eleanor asked. The question had taken Edward by surprise and he simply stared at his mother. Before he could answer, his mother continued; "You don't have to answer. I know you know the answer to that deep within, or perhaps you don't just yet. I know you know your intentions with her, as well. I just don't want you to do anything that you'll regret with her because of the war."
"Mother," Edward sighed. He had pondered what his true feelings were for Sybil and he knew they were feelings he had never felt for anyone before. As for his intentions, Edward would rather keep his hopes and dreams for the future to himself rather than having his mother be critical of it all. "I care for her very much," he simply stated. "I'm not going to do anything rash or regretful. Nothing could be regretful with her anyway." As he continued to eat his food, he felt his mother's eyes on him.
"Your father and I were married before the Great War began and it truly was one of the most difficult times of my life. It was perfect before he left to fight. Being in love when there's a war going on is most testing and even heartbreaking. Every moment you spend together can very well be your last-"
"Mother, don't you think this conversation is a bit morbid for dinner?" Edward smiled softly at her as he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I understand what you're trying to tell me, Mother. I can assure you that there is no need to worry. You're right, Sybil Branson has captivated me beyond what I could have expected. I know things are difficult during a war but if what she and I have is strong, which I do believe it is, then it will withstand the challenges we will face in whatever is to come. It will outlast the war, however long that may be. Just because there is chaos going on in the world doesn't mean we have to stop believing in what's good and what makes us happy right now. If we don't keep what we cherish alive in the midst of chaos then there is no future to keep us going."
Eleanor Trent could see the hope in her son's eyes as he spoke his wisdom to her. His words touched her heart as she suddenly remembered that his father, Edmund Trent, had written similar words to her in response to a letter she sent him telling him that she was expecting his child. She was devastated that their child would be born into a broken world but Edmund assured that the love they had for each other and their child was stronger than war and that their child would make their world whole again. Now, seated before her was the child who did make her world whole again, and soon he was going away to face the uncertainty war all while his heart is focused on a young woman who hopefully treasured him as much as she did. "You're absolutely right, Edward," his mother said as she placed her hand softly on his cheek. "I just worry about you but I know all will be well. You seem very happy and I hope that happiness can carry you through whatever you face out there. That happiness will bring you home." She removed her face from his cheek and smiled at her son, who smiled in return.
"Yes, exactly. I don't know what my fate will be during this war but I've been trying to make every moment count with those I care about, starting with you, Mother."
"I love you, Edward," his mother sighed.
"I love you too, Mother."
His mother smiled and looked back at her plate. "Oh, and be sure to shave before you leave. Your face has stubble."
Edward laughed and felt his face. "You don't think I should grow my beard before I'm sent off to training?" He smirked.
"Oh, Edward, please," His mother laughed. "Look presentable for Sybil Branson."
"Always, Mother, always," Edward grinned.
Mother and son continued their evening together with lighthearted conversation rather than more talk of the war. It broke Eleanor's heart knowing that the dinner they shared together would be the last one they would be sharing for a very long time. She kept a smile on her face, however, and made sure to take all aspects of their evening together so she can have a final memory of her son before war changed him. Edward, also being aware of this, did the same. He wanted to leave home knowing that his mother knew how much he loved her and he also wanted to be sure that she would face the future bravely, should anything happen to him.
Sybil sighed as she hung up the telephone after her brief conversation with her cousin, George. She wished she could have spoken to more of her family but they all seemed to be busy with more important matters and were soon going to have dinner with one another. Sybil felt her stomach rumble at the thought of dinner and she checked the clock that was near her. Dinner was to be served soon so she decided to make her way to the dining hall. She hoped Grace would be there, as she hadn't spoken to her much since her classes earlier that day.
When Sybil passed by the hospital entrance, Peter Harlow came in through the doors. Immediately, his attention was drawn to Sybil and his eyes lit up as he greeted her. "Good evening, Nurse Branson!"
Sybil stopped walked and turned to Peter with a smile. "And good evening to you, Mr. Harlow. Putting up more curtains again?"
"No, we're all done with that. Have you noticed?"
Sybil looked at the windows. She hadn't noticed that the curtains had been replaced with the heavy blackout curtains. The curtains made the hospital look a tad bit drab but it was for the safety of everyone and would only be temporary. "I didn't," Sybil said. "Good work."
Peter smiled. "Why, thank you, Nurse Branson. I've just returned from driving the ambulance and I could see that so many places around the city have their curtains up."
Sybil turned back to Peter and tilted her head slightly. "You're an ambulance driver?"
"I am," Peter said proudly. "It's my main job here at St. Margaret's. Never a dull job, as you can imagine."
"Not dull at all," Sybil smiled back. "My father had spoken to me about the possibility of me driving ambulances here. Are there female ambulance drivers too?"
"There are a couple. You can drive, Nurse Branson?" Peter asked.
Sybil nodded and crossed her arms. "Yes, I can but I'm not sure how good of a driver I'd be in an ambulance."
"It's not difficult at all!" Peter said excitedly. "I can teach you so you can become more comfortable with it and then you can take the driving test for it so you're allowed to drive one if needed. Really, Nurse Branson, we need all the help we can get, especially if the war comes here. I can tell Sister Agnes that you can have some shifts with the ambulances so you can become more familiar. How does that all sound?"
Sybil was certainly intrigued by the idea. Driving an ambulance around London would certainly allow her to become more familiar with the city as well as allow her to practice her driving skills. She would get hands-on medical training. "Alright!" She said to Peter. "Yes, do tell her."
"Gladly. Where are you off to now?" Peter asked.
"Oh, to dinner. I'm quite hungry," Sybil said as she looked in the direction of the dining hall. "And yourself?"
"I'm going to go see what other tasks need to be done," Peter said, taking a step back. "Well, enjoy your dinner, Nurse Branson. I'll see you tomorrow maybe."
"Thank you, Mr. Harlow. Have a good evening." Sybil left the entrance of the hospital and went to the dining hall. She was excited now about learning how to drive an ambulance. She knew she would be learning so much that would make her career as a nurse worthwhile and she couldn't wait for it to truly begin.
As Sybil entered the dining hall, she noticed that Grace was nowhere to be seen, however when she passed by the kitchen, she saw that Grace inside washing dishes. Sybil poked her head in through the door to greet her friend. "Grace!" She whispered.
Grace's head perked up from the dishes and she glanced toward the door. She quickly went to the door so that the other nurses in the kitchen would not notice. "Hello, Sybil. Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," Sybil said. "Did you just begin?"
"Yes, I just got here no more than ten minutes ago. I won't be able to eat with you, I'm afraid," Grace frowned. "Today has been so dull. Did anything exciting happen to you today?"
"Nurse Crawford! What are you doing?" One of the nurses asked. Grace yelped and waved Sybil away.
"I'll see you later, Sybil."
Sybil nodded and immediately left the kitchen door so that her friend would not get into trouble. Once she received her food, she sat at a table alone, which she didn't mind too much. She watched as other nurses passed by in groups and she also listened in on a few conversations between the nurses nearby. Many of them spoke about how much they missed their homes and loved ones. Sybil was sure it was a common feeling among all of the nurses-in-training. She missed Downton and her family dearly. It had been one month since she and her father left Boston, Massachusetts to go to England. It had been a much simpler time. They traveled across the Atlantic unaware of the war that was to come and unaware that the days her family had with one another were now numbered. She wondered if her father felt any regret in bringing her to England; if he hadn't, they would be home together right now. However, if they had never come to England, she wouldn't have been able to see George before he left for training and she would never have reconnected with Edward. Whatever forces that were driving her life up to this point were meant to happen, Sybil felt. None of this had been coincidence and she was sure her mother would agree. Did her mother have similar thoughts such as these when she was a nurse-in-training? Did she have many friends or was she lonely? Sybil sighed and continued her dinner in silence.
After dinner, Sybil found herself in the library doing some late night reading. She took diligent notes as she studied the names of bones and muscles. It was overwhelming to her at times but she was determined to do well in her classes so that she could make her father proud.
An hour later, a tap light on the shoulder awoke Sybil, who had fallen asleep with her head on her anatomy book. Sybil quickly lifted her head and looked around wide-eyed and shocked. "I was asleep?" She asked no one in particular.
"Yes," she heard a voice say.
Turning to her left, Sybil saw that Sarah Peltzer was standing before her. "Well, thank you for waking me," Sybil said as she closed her anatomy book.
"You're welcome. I understand that you're tired. It's been a long week, hasn't it?" Sarah said and went to the seat across from her. "May I sit with you for a short moment?"
"It has," Sybil nodded. "And of course."
Sarah nodded her thanks and sat across from Sybil. She stared at Sybil as if she had something to say. Sybil said nothing to allow Sarah to gather her thoughts without any distraction. "I wanted to apologize," Sarah began, "for my behavior this week toward you. I know I may have seemed avoidant of you and I don't want you to be suspicious of me."
Sybil shook her head. "It's alright, Nurse Peltzer. I understand that you're worried about your family."
"Thank you. I am worried," Sarah sighed.
Sybil leaned forward slightly and spoke in hushed tones. "How are they, by the way? I remember you mentioned that they lived outside of England."
Sarah hung her head low and looked back up at Sybil, leaning forward as well. "I really don't know. I think their letters are being checked before sent because they've been keeping information from me, it seems. What I find out is what I read in the newspapers," she said quietly.
"The newspapers?" Sybil asked. What was happening in Poland was at the forefront of the newspapers so that Britain would be aware of Germany's actions and advancements. Suddenly, she understood. "Is your family in direct threat of the Nazis?" She whispered.
Sarah looked around the room before looking back to Sybil. She nodded. "Yes," she whispered back. "My family and I are Polish… We're also Jewish. I lived in Warsaw."
Sybil nodded in understanding and a sudden chill ran up her spine. Sarah continued to speak. "You mustn't tell anyone, Nurse Branson. I know this is England but, please, keep it to yourself."
"Of course, Sarah," Sybil said, using her name instead of referring to her by her last name. "You have my word."
"Thank you," Sarah said. "I was sent here by my grandparents to live with my aunt one year ago. I haven't been able to return and I fear I will never be able to see my home again. My grandparents and other relatives are still there but they're worried that they will never be able to get out. I became a nurse because I want to assist in the efforts but a part of me also wishes that perhaps I can be sent to Poland to help those there and possibly find my family to bring them back with me. I know it won't happen, though. The Soviets have just arrived in Warsaw, as well, and everything is in chaos. I fear for the day that the letter from my grandparent's stop." Sarah then softly smiled. "Yom Kippur begins tomorrow."
"Oh, Sarah," Sybil frowned. "I can't imagine how you must feel. I'm so sorry." Her heart ached for her new friend but she was unsure of what to say to Sarah that would bring her comfort. "We must have hope," she said. "I'm sure your family would not want you to live in fear. Evil never can win so we must faith that everything will be alright. All will be well."
"Have faith everything will be alright? All will be well?" Sarah asked, her eyes narrowing at Sybil. "You don't have to tell me these things so that I can feel better about it all. Everything already isn't alright. Have you not been reading the newspapers? Tanks and air raids are destroying the city that I love. My home is being destroyed. Evil already seems to be winning, Sybil Branson. All we can hope for now is that nowhere else suffers at their hands too. You don't understand the fear I feel. You have no idea what it's like to be worried to death for your family and have no idea whether they are living or dying as you go about your day."
Sybil, eyes wide with horror, swallowed back her fear. She suddenly felt extremely naive and she wished she hadn't said anything at all. It's true, she did not understand and hoped she never would be able to understand.
Sarah must have noticed the fearful expression on Sybil's face and softened her own expression. "I'm sorry, Sybil," Sarah sighed. She rubbed her temples and looked back down at the table. "I really hope you never understand what I'm feeling. I wouldn't wish any of this upon anyone."
"You don't need to go through it alone, Sarah. My father once told me that the burdens of life become less heavy if you have friends who help you through it, and I'm your friend. I may not understand everything but I am more than happy to be a listening ear."
Sarah gave Sybil a small smile and nodded her head. "Thank you. You're right; I think having someone to share my feelings with would help me immensely."
"Of course," Sybil smiled. "Is there anything else you wish to say?"
"No. I'd much rather talk to you about our anatomy lesson today. Silly me forgot to bring my book to class so I was a bit lost as to what was being said. Would you mind if I looked through your book so that I can review the chapter?"
"Oh, not at all," Sybil said, sliding the book over to Sarah. "There are so many scientific names to learn. I think that's why I fell asleep, honestly." The two girls laughed quietly with one another and spent another hour talking about their classes and their first week at St. Margaret's.
It was late when Sybil returned to the room she shared with the other girls. She quietly tiptoed through the room, feeling her way around her so that she would not walk into a bed and rudely wake someone from their sleep. When she finally found her bed against the wall, she quickly turned on her bedside lamp, which was dim enough to not disturb anyone else in the room. She saw that Grace was asleep in her own bed next to her so she made sure to be as quiet as can be as she changed into a nightgown.
Sybil sat on her bed in her nightgown as she braided her hair. She took in all that happened that day and knew that her conversation with Sarah had deeply affected her. She admired Sarah for her bravery in continuing her life here in London while having no idea what was becoming of her family in Warsaw. Sybil wondered if she herself was that brave. She knew she would have to be but she hoped war would never reach Downton Abbey; if it did, all would be lost. For now, she would be brave for herself, her new friends, and for her family.
As Sybil drifted into a deep sleep, she recalled another memory of her and her father that she cherished within her heart. It was the summer of 1929 and Sybil was eight years old. Her father was teaching her how to ride a bicycle for the first time.
"Come along, Sybbie," her father said as he waited for her outside of their home. The sun was out and there was a gentle breeze in the air; it was a perfect summer day. Perfect enough, Tom felt, to teach his daughter how to ride a bicycle.
"Coming, Papa!" A young Sybil said as she walked out of the house, closing the door behind her. She jumped down the steps of their porch with an "oof!" and ran to her father. "Am I going to ride that by myself?" She asked, admiring the small red bicycle.
"Indeed, you are," her father smiled. "Can you get onto the seat by yourself?"
"Yes, Papa," Sybil said, pushing her bangs out of her face. She struggled a bit to get onto the seat of her bicycle but with a nudge from her father, she was on within seconds. Her father kept his hands on the handles of the bicycle so that it would not topple over. He laughed as Sybil bounced lightly in the bicycle seat from excitement. "Now I put my feet on the pedals, Papa?"
"Yes, put your feet on the pedals down here," he said, looking down at the pedals. Sybil did exactly that and began pushing the pedals. Her bicycle stayed in place, however, since her father was holding onto it. "Wait, wait," he chuckled. "Sit up straight. Riding a bicycle is all about finding your balance, Sybbie."
Sybil sighed and stopped pushing on the pedals. When her father moved his hands from the handles, Sybil moved her hands there. Her father, now holding onto the back of the bicycle slowly began to push it. "Now push the pedals, darling."
Sybil immediately began pushing the pedals again. She giggled as she felt herself moving from her efforts, not realizing her father had been pushing her from behind. "Now," her father began, "when you want to brake, push the pedals back. Try it."
Sybil nodded and pushed the pedals back. The bicycle came to a gentle stop and her father was no longer able to push it. "Perfect!" He said. "Now, you're going to do it by yourself, alright?"
"Yes, I want to do it by myself," Sybil smiled. "Stand over there, Papa. Watch me."
"Alright, Sybbie. Keep your balance." Her father walked over to the side of the dirt road, close enough to be able to run over in time should something happen. To his surprise, Sybil had found her balance right away and was soon slowly pedaling away. Tom smiled widely as he followed his young daughter down the road. She was giggling and looking back over her shoulder to see if he was watching her.
"Look at me, Papa! I'm riding a bicycle all by myself!" She said, facing the road again.
Tom Branson clapped for his daughter. "You are, Sybbie! You're wonderful!"
"I'm going to go faster!" Sybil yelled as her legs began moving quicker and quicker. Suddenly, she found herself going down a hill and was quickly gaining speed. She became afraid and began screaming for her father. "Papa! Papa, help me! I'm going to fall!"
Her father, when he realized she was headed down the hill, immediately began to run after his daughter. "Brake, Sybbie, brake!" He yelled after her. Sybil was much too frazzled now to even remember how to brake.
"Papa!" She screamed. She closed her eyes tightly as she saw that she appeared to be headed straight for a tree. Soon, her bike came to a sudden halt and she was jolted forward but held onto the handles. She opened her eyes and saw her father in front of her, holding her bicycle and panting from his quick run to stop her just before she hit the tree.
"Are you alright?" He asked, catching his breath. Sybil nodded meekly and slid off the bicycle. She hugged her father tightly, burying her face in his side.
"I don't want to do that anymore, Papa," she said, her voice muffled.
Tom rubbed her back and crouched down so he could be eye-level with her "But Sybbie, you were doing so well at first. Everyone has one or two scary moments when learning how to ride a bicycle." He could see that Sybbie was teary-eyed and pouting. With a soft smile, he placed a finger under her chin and brought her head up. Her big blue eyes stared up at him.
"But I don't want any more scary moments, Papa," she sighed.
"But Sybbie, you're my brave girl. You're not going to let this little mishap stop you from riding your bicycle. Come on, let's walk back up together and stay on the flat road."
Sybil sighed and took her father's hand as he stood. Together the two walked up the hill with her bicycle. When they reached the flat road again, Tom held the bicycle and looked at his daughter. "Back on you go, love."
Sybil crossed her arms and shook her head. "I don't want to, Papa."
Her father frowned. "Don't you want to be able to ride your bicycle into town with me, Sybbie? We can't share a bicycle for forever, you know. What will happen when you're taller? We'll look pretty silly, don't you think?"
Sybbie giggled at the mental image she had. "Very silly, Papa. I want to be with you for forever, though!"
"You can't, my darling. In life, you'll have to go out on your own and experiences things for yourself. I can only support you as your adventures without me begin but I'll always be there the moment you need me. Now, show me you're brave enough to at least do this by yourself, alright? I'll hold your bicycle until you have control of it."
"Fine, Papa." Sybil, with her father's help, got back onto the seat of her bicycle. She held on as her father let go but soon felt herself toppling over. "Papa, don't let me fall!" She yelled, gripping the handles. Her father held onto her bike.
"I'm not going to ever let you fall, Sybbie."
"Stay there right next to me, alright?" Sybil pleaded, looking up at him.
Tom shook his head. "I'm going to stand off to the side and watch you. Just find your balance, go slow, and stop before the hill. You can do it."
Sybil nodded reluctantly. Slowly, she found her balance and began to pedal. She pedaled down the road and a smile slowly appeared on her face. A giggle escaped her and she looked behind her, expecting her father to still be holding onto her bike. He wasn't. He was standing where she had left him with a proud smile on his face. "Watch the road, my darling!"
"Ah!" Sybil laughed and stopped her bike behind she got to the hill. "I'm going to ride back to you, Papa! Watch me!" With brief difficulty, Sybil was able to turn her bicycle on her own and start pedaling back to where her father was standing.
"There you go!" Her father clapped. "You did that all by yourself!"
Her father's words made Sybil confident and she now wanted to show off a bit, so she pedaled faster and rode up to him speedily, stopping her bike a few feet past him. With a smile on her face, she got off her bicycle and ran over to him. "I did it!"
Her father swooped her up and held her in his arms. "You did! My brave girl, I'm so proud of you." He kissed her cheek and set her back down. "Soon enough, you'll be going up and down that hill with ease."
"You think so, Papa?" Sybil asked.
"I know so," he winked. "Let's keep practicing, alright? The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be."
And he was right. Two weeks later, Sybil was riding her bicycle side-by-side with her father through the Massachusetts countryside. Her fear was gone and her favorite part of their rides together was when she rode down the hill as her father cheered her on.
"We made it through our first week!" Grace cheered as she and Sybil ate their breakfast together the following morning.
Sybil smiled. "We did. I can't believe a week has gone by already. I feel like so much has happened already yet we just got here."
"I feel the same," Grace nodded. "I have such a busy day today. Not only do I have to wash dishes but I also have to study for one of my classes. I'm feeling a smidge overwhelmed. What about you, Sybil?"
"Hm, I only have to assist Nurse Woodhams today. Oh, that reminds me. I was invited out for a picnic with Nurse Woodhams and her husband. Would you like to come with me? We're leaving at five o'clock and meeting in the courtyard."
"Oh, that sounds lovely, Sybil, but I'm afraid I won't be able to go. As I said, I'm quite busy today. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun, though!"
Sybil frowned but understood. She moved a piece of potato around on her plate with her fork. "You said you needed to study. May I join you? I should study more, as well, before I have to go help Nurse Woodhams."
"Of course! I'm going to the library once I'm finished eating. Studying together may help us retain the information better. Join me."
"I shall."
After breakfast, Sybil and Grace left the dining hall together and walked through the hospital. "So," Grace began, "you mentioned you spoke to your cousin, George Crawley, yesterday. Did he ask about me?" She blushed softly.
Sybil looked at her friend and chuckled. "He did, actually."
Grace gasped and held Sybil's arm as they walked. "What did he say?"
"He asked how you were. I said you were well."
Grace smiled and sighed. "He is so sweet."
"He is. He leaves for training tomorrow. I'm sure today is going to be an emotional day at home."
"Ah, yes, on the farm."
Sybil furrowed her brows in confusion and glanced at Grace. Farm? Suddenly, Sybil remembered that George had told Grace that his grandparents owned a farm. She was not looking forward to the day where she wouldn't know how to continue that lie. "Oh, yes, the farm."
"I find it funny," Grace began, "that you and your cousins, George especially, talk as though… Oh, what's the word I'm looking for? You and your cousins have this air to you. The way you speak and carry yourselves is something not commonly seen or heard in the countryside, at least not from a farm, especially."
Sybil said nothing so Grace kept talking. "I'm not sure what it is. I have no idea what it's like in Downton, though. I just think it's quite funny."
Sybil really had no idea how to respond to Grace; all she could do was laugh. "Come now, Grace. That's really the funniest thing I've ever heard. Do you mean we act stuffy?"
Grace laughed too. "I wouldn't use that word but it is quite funny."
Sister Agnes was soon walking toward them, a frown on her face. "Is this giggling I hear in the hospital halls?"
Grace yelped lightly and let go of Sybil's arm. Sybil stopped laughing and stood up straight. "No, Sister Agnes."
"Do not lie to me, Nurse Branson," Sister Agnes warned. "Where are you two headed?"
"To the library to study, Sister Agnes," Grace answered.
"Good," Sister Agnes said. She then looked at Sybil. "Nurse Branson, one of our ambulance drivers tells me that you can drive and are interested in assisting with driving ambulances. Is this true?"
Sybil nodded. "Yes, Sister Agnes."
Grace glanced at Sybil in surprise and then looked back at Sister Agnes.
"Excellent," Sister Agnes said, smiling faintly. "Next week, I shall have someone teach you how to drive an ambulance and then once you're comfortable, you may take the test for it. You'll be doing that as well as helping Nurse Woodhams. Understood?"
"Yes, Sister Agnes," Sybil smiled. "Thank you."
When the girls were left alone again, Sybil continued to walk with Grace trailing behind her. "My, my, Sybil Branson is always full of surprises!" She teased. "You want to drive the ambulances? You are brave. I'd rather stay here."
"I want to do both," Sybil said as she walked out into the courtyard with Grace. "I want to do as much as I can here so I can learn everything I'm able to."
Grace caught up to Sybil and looked at her. "I admire your determination, Sybil. You're going to do such great things in the future, I can see it."
Sybil smiled at her friend. "Thank you, Grace. You're going to do great things too. Now, let's study. That'll be the first great thing we do today."
As the train's arrival in London grew nearer and nearer, Edward's anticipation to see Sybil was reaching its peak. He kept leaning forward to see if the train was approaching King's Cross but when a station was nowhere in sight, he sighed and leaned back in his seat. He had been looking forward to this moment all day and hadn't slept very much during the night. The conversation he had with his mother kept him awake, as well as the thought of this being the last time he would be seeing Sybil for who knows how long. He also left his home early to find something he could give Sybil to remember him by. He checked his coat pocket for it and took it out. He had purchased a travel book for her, as well, just as she had given to him. However, this book was solely about France, a country he had always wanted to visit. He knew the glorious photographs of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Palace of Versailles would bring her hope of seeing it in the future. He hoped that she would want to visit those places with him once the war is over. He smiled at the thought of enjoying Parisian nights with Sybil by his side dancing, seeing shows, and riding bicycles through Champs-Élysées.
When the train stopped at King's Cross, Edward checked the time on his watch; he had twenty minutes to get to St. Margaret's before Sybil would leave. He quickly stepped off the train and found himself in a sea of people, which surprised him. He was grateful for his height as he was able to look over most of the crowd so that he could find the nearest exit. As he walked, he noticed that many of the people waiting on the platforms seemed to be leaving London. The war had not yet touched the city yet there seemed to be a lot of people with their luggage. He frowned at the sight of children waiting on the platform with their few possessions as their parents hugged them. He gave a soft yet reassuring smile to the children who looked at him as he passed by. "Excuse me," he said as he squeezed through the crowd of people. He breathed a sigh of relief once he as out of the congested station and outside in the fresh air.
Outside of the station, Edward could see life in London seemed to be unchanged by the declaration of war but as he began to walk through the London streets, he could see that he was wrong. Sandbags surrounded businesses and brick shelters were being built outside of homes. He noticed too that many homes had placed coverings over their windows, as well as black curtains. He saw many signs on business windows and lamp posts about scheduled blackouts and warnings for civilians to be careful when walking in the darkness. Instructions were even put up on what to do during an air raid; all lights had to be turned off, windows had to be covered, and shelters were to be located. He couldn't imagine the fear Sybil must have felt when she experienced her first air raid drill. He had never experienced one himself, but the posters put up all over the city were enough to make anyone uneasy.
Not wanting to risk the chance of getting lost, Edward got into a cab and told the driver he wanted to go to St. Margaret's Hospital.
"You visiting a patient there, lad?" The driver asked as he began to drive.
"Not a patient. I'm visiting someone I know. She's training to be a nurse there."
"Ah, I understand now," the driver smirked.
As they drove on, Edward noticed that men were painting white squares along the sidewalks. "What are they doing that for?" He asked.
The driver glanced to the side. "Oh, they've been doing that since the war was announced. It's so people can see where they're walking during the blackouts. The whole city becomes darkness but people are still out and about walking and driving. I don't drive at night anymore because there have been too many accidents since then. Crime is going up too because the darkness is convenient to do what you wouldn't want to in broad daylight. "
Edward frowned at the driver's words. That did not sound safe at all. He hoped Sybil had not been out during a blackout, regardless if she was with someone or not. "That's terrible," he muttered.
"It is, but life goes on," the driver responded. Minutes later, he stopped in front of the hospital. "St. Margaret's."
"Thank you," Edward said as he got out of the car and paid the driver. "Have a good day, sir."
"You, as well."
Edward glanced up at the grand white stone exterior of St. Margaret's hospital. So, this is where Syb is living now. Not too shabby. Edward walked into what he assumed was the courtyard. On one side of him was the hospital and on the other was the medical school. He stood where he could see the entrances to both since he did not know where Sybil would be coming from. He glanced down at his watch and saw that it was just about to be five o'clock but Sybil was nowhere to be seen. He would remain there waiting for her and hoped he had not just missed her if she chose to leave early.
As the bells tolled the hour, nurses emerged from the medical school entrance and were chatting away to one another. He watched them to see if Sybil was part of the group but immediately regretted it as the nurses noticed him watching them. They giggled and began to whisper quietly to one another. Sybil was not with them. He turned away and looked at the hospital entrance instead. No one was passing through the entrance other than medical staff at that time. Perhaps I missed her. No, I couldn't have. She's still here, she has to be.
Minutes passed and Edward sighed. He turned to face the street as though he would see her passing by on a bus or perhaps a bicycle. No such luck. Please be here. Edward, silently praying that the next person to emerge from the hospital would be her, turned away from the street and once more looked at the hospital entrance. His prayers were soon answered as the doors to the entrance were opened and out stepped Sybil Branson.
