Sybil was hastily getting herself ready as the hour to meet Helen in the courtyard drew near. She had underestimated how quickly the time would pass after she bathed herself once she was finished with her daily tasks. She whispered to herself to hurry as she hopped lightly, trying to get her stockings on. Falling onto her bed, she sighed loudly and grabbed the navy skirt and white blouse she had laid out for herself. She smoothed out the skirt once she had it on and buttoned up her blouse with frantic fingers. Helen is probably wondering where I am! She checked the clock in the room once more before going to the small vanity. She had less than ten minutes before five o'clock. She stared at herself in the mirror momentarily before brushing through her dark wavy locks, falling past her shoulders. She took a few minutes to brush and part her hair, trying to get it as close to how the Hollywood actresses had it. Once she was satisfied with her hair, she pinched her cheeks gently to bring some color to her face and applied her lipstick sparingly; she was only seeing Elliot and Helen, after all. Her short t-strap heels were put on soon after and she was ready to leave. She grabbed her coat, purse, and passed by the mirror one last time before walking out the door.
As she descended the stairs, Grace passed by her. The two young women stopped and glanced back to each other. "My, Sybil, you look lovely!" Grace smiled. "Is it time for that picnic already?"
"Thank you, Grace, and yes it is! I believe I'm going to be late, though. By the time I reach the courtyard to meet Helen, it'll be well after five."
"Ah, yes, then I won't keep you," Grace said as she went up one step. "Have fun!"
"Thank you," Sybil smiled and went down one step. "Grace, are you sure you don't want to join me? It'll just be the Woodhams and myself."
"I can't, Sybil, I need to get one of my books and then return to the library. Tell me about it later, alright? Goodbye!"
"Alright, then. See you tonight," Sybil said to her before quickly making her way down the stairs and through the never-ending corridors. She quickened her pace as she heard the bells tolling the hour outside. She thought she heard someone telling her to not walk so fast but she ignored them; at least it wasn't Sister Agnes.
Finally, Sybil reached the entrance of the hospital and saw Helen arriving at the same time. She was out of her uniform and now had on a simple green dress and tan hat. "Helen!" Sybil waved and went over to her.
"Oh, Sybil! Hello," Helen smiled. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I know we were supposed to meet in the courtyard but I had to administer medications to a few patients before I was able to go and change."
"I thought I was late. I was worried you were waiting in the courtyard for me impatiently," Sybil chuckled nervously.
"No!" Helen laughed, shaking her head. "Well, since we're both late, are we truly late? Come, let's leave. The one waiting impatiently may be Elliot at this point." She walked away from Sybil and opened the door to the courtyard. "After you, Sybil," she said with a nod.
"Thank you," Sybil smiled as she walked through. A light breeze and the faint warmth from the sun surprised her, as it had not been present earlier, but she welcomed it and whatever else the rest of her day would bring. "Perfect time for a picnic!" She said as Helen joined her side.
"Yes! It's as though it knew of our plans," Helen smiled as she began to go down the hospital steps. Sybil smiled in agreement and began to follow Helen.
"This weather reminds me so much of home," Sybil began and walked ahead toward the courtyard gates. "It makes the day feel so full of promise and those are the days that I-" she paused. Someone was standing by the gates and staring at her. She slowly continued to walk closer and when she came to the full realization of who it was, she felt as though her heart would leap from her chest. "That I love…," she finished.
Helen looked at Sybil puzzled. "Sybil?" She then followed her gaze and saw that she was staring at a young man, who was staring back at her. Sybil was suddenly gone from her side and was running across the courtyard. The young man quickly walked toward her and slowly opened his arms as the two grew closer. When they met in the middle of the courtyard, they embraced tightly.
"Edward!" Sybil exclaimed as she threw her arms around him. She felt his arms around her waist and she was easily lifted off the ground by him.
"Sybil!" Edward said as he kissed her cheek and gently spun around with her in his arms. He gently set her down and their eyes met. Sybil stared at him, clearly speechless, while he brought his hand up and caressed the side of her face with his thumb. "I've missed you so much," he sighed.
With a smile on her face, Sybil smiled and hugged him again. "I've missed you too, Edward. What on earth are you doing here? You said that you were going to be home."
"I'm here for the picnic, of course. I couldn't leave for training without seeing you one last time," he said to her. "This could be the last time we see each other for a very long time."
"I know," Sybil said quietly to him. "But I'm so happy you're here. A true surprise!" She said happily and pulled away. She turned toward Helen, who was just making her way over so the two could have some privacy. "Helen, you remember Edward Trent? He's surprised me and will be joining in on our picnic!"
"Hello, Mr. Trent! I remember you," Helen said with a smile. "What a lovely surprise! I am Helen Woodhams, in case you've forgotten. You may call me Helen, as well."
"I have not forgotten," Edward said to her. "And you may call me Edward. I hope you don't mind that I barge in on this picnic."
Helen waved the thought away. "Of course not! Elliot will be glad to see you again, I'm sure. Come, let's walk to my home to get him. I live not too far from here." She looked at Sybil and gently squeezed her arm. "How happy you must be!"
"Immensely," Sybil blushed, looking up at Edward, who winked at her.
When Helen walked out of the courtyard gates, Edward gave Sybil his arm and once she took it, the two followed. "When did you arrive?" Sybil asked as they walked together.
"Half past four," Edward said. "I quickly made my way here and was waiting for you. I was going to arrive at that time anyway but George had told me you were meeting someone in the courtyard at five o'clock. I arrived quickly and I waited and you still weren't there. I thought you had left without me," he teased.
"I'm sorry," Sybil giggled. "Helen and I were both late, actually. And George told you about this? Oh, I do love him."
Edward nodded. "Yes, he told me over the telephone last night. It worked perfectly with my plan to surprise you."
Sybil lightly squeezed his arm. "Well, I am very surprised. I know it's been only around a week and a half since we last saw each other but I just couldn't wait to see you again."
"I felt the same way, Sybil."
The three eventually crossed the street together and soon were met by a wall plastered in blackout and air raid posters. Sybil heard Edward sigh as they walked past it. "What's the matter?" She asked him.
"I saw these earlier," he muttered. "It doesn't make me feel particularly good to know that you're here during all of this." He took his attention off of the posters and to Sybil. "You don't go out at night, do you? You don't leave the hospital when there's a blackout?"
Sybil shook her head. "They're only precautions, Edward, and I've only been out at night once when I returned from having dinner with the Woodhams."
"Just be careful."
"Always, Edward."
The trio was soon at Helen's home and she happily welcomed them in. "Elliot?" She called out as she entered the home. Elliot answered from the kitchen and as Helen eagerly went to greet him, Sybil and Edward walked into the front room. Edward glanced around the room as Sybil stood near the window. She smiled to herself when she heard Helen's giggles from the kitchen.
"The house is lovely, isn't it?" She asked Edward.
"Yes," Edward said with a nod. Sybil watched him as he walked in front of the fireplace to see the Woodhams' wedding portrait.
"I adore that portrait," Sybil said as she joined his side. "She looks so beautiful and they both look so happy."
Edward opened his mouth to respond to her but Elliot walked out of the kitchen, with a blushing Helen by his side. "Elliot, we have a surprise guest. You remember Edward Trent from Jubilee Dance Hall, don't you?"
Elliot slicked his hair back with his hand and walked over to Edward. "Of course, I do." The two men shook hands. "What a coincidence that we're all seeing one another again. How are you, Trent?"
"Very well, thank you," Edward said. "I leave for training tomorrow."
"That's wonderful! Well, we have much to talk about then," Elliot said as he went to get his coat and hat. "We'll save that for the picnic, though. Let's go, Helen, I'm starved." When he saw Sybil by the window, he nodded at her. "Sybil, it's good to see you again. How did yesterday and today go at the hospital?"
"Hello, Elliot," Sybil smiled. "And just fine, thank you."
Helen emerged once more from the kitchen with a picnic basket, which Elliot immediately took from her. "I hope the food is to everyone's liking. I prepared it all this morning."
"I'm sure it'll be delicious, Helen. You're an excellent cook," Sybil smiled.
Helen happily said her thanks and soon, the four left the house. They decided that they would have their picnic at Hyde Park and since it would be too far of a walk for them, they waited at the bus stop. While waiting for a bus to arrive, Elliot began to talk to Edward about his training and what he could expect. Sybil tried to listen to every word said until Helen began to talk to her. "He must really care for you," she said quietly to her. "Traveling to London just to see you before he leaves. That's romantic."
Sybil smiled softly and looked over at Edward. "I know," she simply said.
The bus arrived and the four made their way onto it with others who had been waiting, as well. Helen and Sybil stood next to Elliot and Edward since they had given up their seats for two elderly women. Sybil held on to the railing above her as the bus began to move. She felt Edward's eyes on her so she slowly glanced up at him. "I still can't believe you're here."
"I can't either," he said, smiling down at her. The movement of the bus made Sybil lighting bump into him but she straightened up her stance and looked away. Edward could see that she was blushing and he chuckled softly. "Are you enjoying your training?"
She glanced back at him. "I am. I find it enjoyable but I just want to do more. I want to actually interact with the patients. I don't do much of that yet."
"Hm, I'm sure you will soon, though. You'll be the best nurse at that hospital," Edward grinned. "The most kind and the most patient."
Sybil chuckled and looked out the bus window. "I don't know about the most patient," she sighed.
"The most beautiful then," Sybil heard Edward say. She smiled and nudged his side with her elbow.
"Ow!" He laughed. "What was that for?"
Sybil looked away from him with her head held high. "That's for being cheeky."
"Cheeky? There's nothing cheeky about what I said, Sybil Branson," Edward smirked.
Sybil smiled at his words and looked out the window once more. Having Edward with her again made her feel as though she was safe and all was well in the world. It was the same feeling she felt when she was with her family; her cares simply melted away when she was with those who made her happy.
A short time later, the two couples stepped off the bus when it arrived at a stop near Hyde Park. Elliot and Helen, with her picnic basket in tow, led the way to and through the park as Edward and Sybil followed, arm-in-arm. The greenness of her surroundings brought a smile to Sybil's face. Edward walked in silence next to her, equally as captivated by the park's beauty. There was something magical about Hyde Park, Sybil felt. The way it could easily bring memories of the countryside of Downton or Massachusetts delighted her. She missed Massachusetts dearly. She missed the constant breeze, the fresh air, and the abundance of beauty near her home.
They all walked until they neared the Serpentine Lake, which glistened in the sunlight. "How is this?" Elliot asked. Edward, Sybil, and Helen voiced their delight in the area chosen.
"Perfect!" Helen smiled as she took out a blanket from the picnic basket. With Elliot's help, the blanket was laid over the grass. Soon the four were seated on the blanket and together, they shared a delicious meal.
"I think," Elliot said an hour later before putting a cigarette in his mouth, "that the Serpentine looks rather inviting. I think we should go for a swim." He lit his cigarette and looked up at Helen questionably.
Helen looked down at her husband, who was laying on his side, and rolled her eyes playfully. "Elliot, no, we can't possibly go swimming right now. We just finished eating and the sun will set soon. Besides, we have no other clothes."
"Who said we need clothes, dear?"
"Elliot!" Helen blushed and gently slapped his arm. Elliot laughed out loud and pulled her down to him, kissing her arm all over as she squealed. Sybil giggled and pulled her skirt over her knees, peeking out from underneath her. Edward was seated next to her with his legs stretched out the opposite way. He chuckled softly at the Woodhams and then glanced at Sybil briefly before looking back at the Serpentine.
"Perhaps in the future when we all have an extra set of clothes, we shall swim," Edward said.
"Yes, not now!" Helen said as she made her escape from Elliot's arms and returned to her spot on the blanket. She sighed and fixed her hair. "Elliot, really, I must look messy now."
Elliot smirked and drank lemonade. As he sat up, he apologized to his wife and kissed her cheek. She kissed him back as a show of forgiveness.
Sybil looked away from the couple and to the glistening waters of the Serpentine. She sighed out loud and stretched her legs out in front of her. "What I would give to go swimming right now," she said before finishing her bread and cheese.
"Aha! See, Helen. Sybil clearly knows better," Elliot joked. Helen ignored him.
"You like to swim, Syb?" Edward asked.
Sybil swallowed and nodded in response. "Oh, yes. I swim a lot back home in Boston. Do you enjoy swimming?"
"I do. There's a lake near my house that I used to swim in all summer."
Helen clapped her hands together and leaned toward Sybil. "A summer in Boston? What are summers like for you in America, Sybil?" She asked. Edward and Elliot both looked at Sybil, as well, interested in what she would say.
Sybil smiled and looked up at the sky for a moment to gather her thoughts. The sun would be setting soon. "My summers back home," she began, "consist of riding my bicycle around town with my friend, Mae. Sometimes we'll go to the lake and meet more friends and jump in together. We'll see who can jump and swim the farthest. I've won once." Sybil saw Edward smile as she said this. She continued: "Sometimes I'll go to my father's auto shop and watch him work on cars. Sometimes I'll help but most of the time I'll be seated at his desk and eating ice cream. After that, we return home and listen to the radio while we cook dinner together. Sometimes we'll take a day and go to the city or we'll travel to Downton or to see family in Ireland. I do love Ireland. We would drive out of Dublin and find somewhere to swim. Uncle Kieran used to throw me into the water and I thought it was such fun. My birthday is also in the summer so that helps it be my favorite season." Sybil's smile suddenly saddened. "I… I hope I can experience another summer like that again. I feel as though nothing will be the same soon."
"Nothing already is not the same," Elliot huffed. "Who knows what the state of the war will be like next summer."
"Hopefully over," Helen said, though she knew it was only wishful thinking. "Today is the last day of summer."
"It is," Edward nodded. "I had forgotten about that."
"I wish summer were eternal," Sybil sighed. She felt Edward's hand rest on top of her hand on the blanket. The two exchanged glances and smiled softly at one another.
"I think this has been my favorite summer," Edward said as he kept his eyes on her.
"Mine too," Sybil said. Slowly and without thinking, she began to lean toward him but when Elliot abruptly stood, she was startled back in place.
"Let's go watch the sunset, dear," he said to Helen.
"Where?"
"At the Serpentine. Come along," Elliot said as he helped his wife up. "Sybil, Trent, join us."
"I think I'll take a quick walk with Sybil, actually," Edward said.
Elliot nodded and slowly began to walk away with Helen. "Alright then. We'll be back."
Sybil smiled and waved at Helen as they left the blanket. She then looked at Edward with great curiosity. "We're going for a walk?"
"Yes." Edward stood and held his hand out to Sybil. He helped her up and walked away from the picnic blanket with her, glancing back once to see how they left it just in case someone came by and took anything.
Edward and Sybil walked quietly together by the Serpentine, their arms lightly bumping into each other due to their closeness. Sybil stared at the now setting sun before them. The orange of the sunset illuminated everything around them and she felt as though she were walking through a master artist's painting. She recalled the other gorgeous sunset she had witnessed with Edward while they were at the top of the Ferris wheel. It was where they had shared their second kiss.
"Whenever I see a sunset," Edward began to say, "I think about our time on the Ferris wheel at the fair."
Sybil blinked and looked at him. "How funny, I was just thinking about that. I wish we could experience it all over again, don't you?"
Edward looked at her and held her hand. "I promise we will experience it all again in the future." He kissed her hand and reached into his coat pocket. "Which reminds me, I have something for you."
Sybil watched his hand reach into his pocket. "For me? Oh, Edward, your presence is enough."
"I'm only here for today," he said to her. He then removed a small blue book from his coat pocket and held it out to her. Sybil glanced down at the book; it was simply titled France. Without a word, she took it and opened it to the first page. Edward had written a note for her just as she had done for him.
September 22nd, 1939
Darling Syb,
No matter how difficult times may become, never stop having hope. When the world is less chaotic, you shall see these sights for yourself.
I'll always be thinking of you during our time apart.
Yours,
Edward
Sybil's finger lightly traced over his handwriting and she turned a page over, and then two. She smiled at the images of Versailles and the French Riviera. "Oh, Edward, this is perfect." She closed the book and held it to her chest. "It shall be my escape when I need time away from reality. Now we both have travel books to give us hope for a better future once this war is over and done with."
"Exactly," Edward said, leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "There will be a better future after the war is over; a better future for us both together."
Sybil stared at him. "Together?"
There was a silence between them but it said more than any words could. Edward cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair before looking back at the sunset. "Yes, together, hopefully," he said quickly. "Syb, look at that sky."
Sybil did not look right away, for she was smiling and repeating his words over and over in her head. Together. She glanced down at the book of France before placing it in her purse. She would definitely be imagining seeing those sights with him whenever she looked through it in the future. Finally, she looked at the sunset. "So beautiful. Do you think my family is watching the sunset right now?"
"Someone is," Edward said, putting his arm around her waist. She rested her head against his arm and sighed. "Your family misses you so much," she heard him say. She looked up at him and turned toward him slightly.
"That's right, you saw them recently. How are they?"
"They're doing well," Edward said as he slowly began to walk. "Your father, grandfather, everyone is doing well. They're worried about George, however. His mother doesn't want to see him go."
Sybil followed, lingering one step behind him. "No, I suppose no mother ever wants to see her son - or any of her children, for that matter - leave to prepare for war. Where is your training camp anyway?"
"Near my home, actually," Edward stopped so Sybil can join his side again. "So somewhat near Downton. George is happy about that. We'll probably be able to visit home if we're able to."
Once again, Sybil was by his side. "That's wonderful! I'm sure my family is very happy about that." Knowing George was near Downton gave her comfort since she knew that if anything happened, someone would be near. "And your mother is happy about having you close, I'm sure."
"She is," Edward smiled. "I've told her a lot about you. She hopes to meet you soon."
Sybil's eyes lit up. "I'd love to meet her. What have you told her about me?"
Edward smirked and slowly backed away from her. "That's secret, Sybil Branson."
Sybil raised an eyebrow and placed one hand on her hip. "Secret, Edward Trent? Well then, it must be something terrible, isn't it?" She took a step forward and he immediately took another step back. "What do you say about me when I'm not there? Tell me, please?" She asked teasingly.
"No," Edward chuckled and quickly began to walk away. Sybil gasped and followed after him. Because of his height, Edward took long strides which caused Sybil to almost need to run in order to catch up to him. "Are you chasing me, Syb?" He asked as he heard her quick breathing behind him.
"Practically!" Sybil said as she skipped along. "You're walking much too fast, Ed."
"Ed? Your cousin calls me that. Not original, Branson," Edward smirked. "To be honest, I'm not too fond of being called that."
"Alright, then, Trent!"
Edward smirked and continued walking. The two had not shared such playful banter before and both were very much enjoying it. They were being as youthful as one is during the summer. They felt like young flirty teenagers rather than a young man and a young woman of twenty-two and nineteen years of age. They were still very young, however; their lives had only just begun. "Trent?" Edward asked. "Really?" He heard Sybil laugh and say something that was unclear to him. He turned around and looked at her, her cheeks a soft pink. "I didn't hear what you said," he told her.
Sybil stopped walking. "I said, perhaps I should call you sweetheart, then?"
Edward held back his smile as best he could but when he felt himself failing, he faced forward. He lightly sighed and once he regained his composure, looked back at Sybil. "Yes, I think I like the sound of that."
Sybil smiled and held her head high as though she were victorious. "I shall only call you that if you tell me what you said to your mother about me." She began to walk over to Edward, who shook his head and backed away.
"I will not be blackmailed by you," he grinned. "You can call me 'sweetheart' without needing to know everything."
Sybil rolled her eyes. "Edward, just tell me. What do I have to do to get you to tell me?"
Edward rubbed his chin and pretended to think. Sybil sighed impatiently followed by a giggle. "Well?" She asked.
"You have to catch me."
"What?"
Suddenly, Edward bolted across the grass and Sybil watched him for a few seconds before running after him. "Edward!" She called after him as he ran off. She had always thought of Edward as a serious man and it filled her heart to see this other side to him that he had not fully revealed to her yet. He seemed to be full of surprises.
Sybil had not been running long before needing to stop to catch her breath. Her feet hurt in her short heels and she knew that if she continued to run, she would most definitely hurt herself. When she was about to surrender and call out to Edward that he had won, she noticed that he was gone. He was not near the Serpentine and he was nowhere near her. He couldn't have gone far and she didn't think Edward would have left her truly alone. She continued to walk, calling out his name as she did so. No luck. Standing by a row of trees, Sybil examined her surroundings once more. "Where on earth are you?" She asked quietly.
"Here."
Suddenly, Sybil felt herself being pulled into the shadows of the trees and she screamed. The light remaining from the sunset allowed Sybil to see that it was Edward and her scream soon became laughter. He was holding her to him and laughing, as well.
"You sneak! I thought I was supposed to get you." Sybil grinned and backed away from him. "Now I know why you and George are friends; I thought you were too serious for him but now I see you two are one in the same."
Edward laughed. "Don't insult me, Sybil," he teased. "I take that back, your cousin is a wonderful person."
Sybil sighed and caught her breath. She had truly been startled. "Well, that was exhilarating," she finally said. "You run fast. I think they'll be happy to have you defending England. If the enemy comes, you can outrun them."
"Ah, you mean challenge them to a race?" Edward asked as he pushed back the hair that had fallen forward in his face during his run. "That may help end the war."
"If only," Sybil said. She swayed a bit and a tree branch jabbed her in her side, making her take one step forward, walking into Edward. "Oof! Sorry."
Edward held onto her shoulder gently. "It's alright. Tree branch get you?"
"Rather rudely, may I add," Sybil said.
"That happened to me as I waited for you, as well." Edward looked down at Sybil and noted the patches of deep orange that were shining through the trees and reflecting off her face. Her eyes looked piercing blue through the light. His heart quickened. "Would you like to know what I told my mother about you?" He smiled.
Sybil glanced down shyly. "Only if you wish to. Don't make me chase after you again, though."
Edward chuckled. "I won't make you chase after me again. I'll tell you willingly." Sybil smiled graciously at his words and nodded for him to begin. "I told my mother only wonderful things about you because there is nothing about you that isn't wonderful," he said. Sybil's eyes widened slightly and she gazed up at him as he continued talking. "If I remember correctly, I told her that you were passionate. Oh, and that you were funny too." Sybil smiled at this. He continued. "I believe I said to her that you were courageous, as well. Yes, I said you had a heart of courage."
Sybil could feel her eyes water at his words. His voice was full of kindness and she knew that he truly meant what he said. She wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
"I also told her that you were enchanting," Edward said.
"Enchanting?" Sybil finally found her words. "You think I'm enchanting?"
"I think I've always been enchanted by you. This funny little girl who lived in America with her Irish father: Sybil Branson. Weeks ago when you arrived at Downton for your birthday and we bumped into each other upstairs, the enchantment came back."
Sybil chuckled. "After bumping into you?"
"Well, after that," Edward smiled. "Everything after that."
Sybil intertwined his fingers with his. "I've been captivated by you too, Edward."
Edward simply stared at her, saying nothing. He felt immensely happy and wanted nothing more than to kiss her. It suddenly dawned on the both of them that they were truly alone together.
"Edward?"
"Sybil?"
Sybil felt herself blush but fixed her gaze up at him. "That moment we had in the upstairs parlor the night before you left, I think about it quite a lot. Do you?" She wondered if she was being too bold. The passionate kiss they shared in the parlor did enter her mind frequently, especially when she was in a lecture. It was quite distracting but she knew that the feeling she felt then was the feeling that singers sang about, writers wrote about, and what painters made art about. It was a fairy-tale moment that confirmed what she had felt for Edward Trent.
"I do," Edward said to her quietly. His brought up his hand and rested it on the side of her face. Their eyes met.
"Do you think we will ever have another moment like that again?" Sybil asked, her voice faltering a bit as her heart began to race.
Edward smiled softly. "I think so. Would you like to have another moment like that again?"
Sybil nodded and tried to look away from him but his hand on her face prevented her from doing so. His hand moved under her chin and gently prodded her head up to him. She opened her mouth slightly to speak but again, she couldn't find her words. Edward understood and slowly leaned in toward her. As soon as their lips met, Sybil closed her eyes and allowed herself to get lost in the moment. Soon, Edward's hand left her chin and both hands were on her waist, pulling her to him. Sybil sighed and placed one hand on his chest and the other around his neck to bring him slightly lower to her. Edward smiled into the kiss as the familiar floral perfume she wore filled the air. He adored it, he adored her.
Moments later, Edward and Sybil broke slightly away from the kiss to catch their breath before kissing one another again. Sybil's hand was now resting on his jaw and she chuckled softly into the kiss as she felt the very light stubble on his face. The sound of her made a desire spark within Edward and their kiss became even more passionate. They moved even closer to each other if that were even possible. Sybil could feel her knees growing weak and she backed away slightly to lean against the trunk of the tree behind her, bringing him along. She stopped walking, however, as Edward slowly pulled away from her. He stared into her eyes and took a slight step back. Sybil also took a slight step back toward the tree and stared at Edward.
"Sybil Branson," he breathed. "You have-"
Before he could finish what he had to say, Sybil let out a yelp as she fell backward, misjudging how close she was to the tree. Edward, however, caught her before she fell onto the grass. He pulled her up onto her feet and let out a gentle laugh. "That would not have been good, hm?"
Sybil shook her head and regained her composure. "I thought the tree was closer. What was it that you were going to say?"
Edward remained silent, wanting to save what he was going to say to her for another time. "We have to get back," he said instead. The colors of the sunset had left and the two were almost in darkness within the trees. He suddenly imagined how her family would react if they knew that she was with him, sharing a passionate kiss in the cover of the trees. Tom Branson may have a few words to say to them and Lord Grantham would never let them hear the end of it. "Come on," Edward said, taking her hand and walking out from the row of trees. He heard Sybil sigh behind him and follow him. Like their kiss in the parlor, Sybil and Edward had both wanted the moment to go on forever but they knew it couldn't. In their thoughts and dreams, however, it could go on forever.
Sybil wanted to say something to him as they walked in silence, both taking in the moment they had just shared. "Life is beautiful," she said quietly.
"Life is very beautiful," Edward said.
When they two returned to the picnic blanket, the sky had darkened and the air was chilly enough for Sybil to want to put her coat on. Helen and Elliot were seated on the blanket together, packing things back into the picnic basket. "Ah, there they are," Elliot said as Edward and Sybil stood before them. "Where'd you run off to?"
"We watched the sunset on the other side of the Serpentine," Edward said cooly as he helped gather things for the picnic basket.
"You walked all the way out there?" Helen asked. "Hm, well, wasn't the sunset lovely? Elliot convinced me to stand in the water with him, so I did," she smiled.
"How fun!" Sybil smiled. "Are we leaving?"
Elliot stood up and picked up the basket once everything was placed back into it. "Yes, we should. There's a scheduled blackout tonight and I want to be home when it happens."
Edward frowned and suddenly remembered that he had a train to catch. He checked his watch. "It's almost eight o'clock. My train leaves in forty-five minutes. I completely forgot."
"Oh!" Sybil gasped. "Then we must leave. Perhaps I'll accompany Edward back to the station so that you and Helen can return home quickly."
Elliot and Helen both rejected that idea. "No, Sybil," Helen said. "If a blackout happens after Edward's train leaves, you'd be returning to the hospital by yourself in complete darkness. It's dangerous at that time. Drivers can't see and troublemakers could be lurking about. Elliot and I will be accompanying you back to St. Margaret's. We'd feel much better knowing you made it back safely."
"As would I," Edward said, eyeing Sybil. "Don't walk by yourself during a blackout, Sybil, please."
Sybil nodded. "I promise I won't." She did not wish to bother Elliot and Helen by having them accompany her back to the hospital but she did appreciate the concern they had for her being alone at night. They were such wonderful people. Edward was clearly worried about her, as well. "Let's hurry then." Sybil slid her arm through Edward's arm and began to walk away from the Serpentine with Elliot and Helen following behind.
The group made it to King's Cross with time to spare. Once they reached the platform, goodbyes had to be said and Sybil knew she had to be strong.
"Well, Trent, it was nice seeing you again. Good luck tomorrow," Elliot said as he shook Edward's hand.
"Thank you. Maybe we'll see each other again in the near future," Edward said to him.
"We might."
Helen then went to Edward and patted his arm. "It was wonderful to see you, Edward. I'm so glad you were able to join us. I can see that you and Sybil make one another very happy. You're a perfect match as Elliot and I are."
Sybil blushed at Helen's words and Edward smiled. "Thank you, Helen, I appreciate that. Thank you for the food, it was all delicious."
"Of course!"
When Edward turned to Sybil to say goodbye to her, Sybil reached forward and held his hand. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Syb."
"Today was such a wonderful day because of you. Thank you for coming to see me. I look forward to when we can see one another again."
"I'm glad I decided to come to see you. Any memories I can make you with are ones that I cherish and will give me hope while I'm out there in the thick of it. I'll try to visit again if I'm able to. If not, I'll write to you."
"Please do," Sybil sighed. "Shall I still call you 'sweetheart'?"
Edward chuckled. "Call me whatever you'd like to, Syb."
Sybil pretended to think for a moment before speaking. "I think I want to find something better to call you."
"Fair enough," Edward said. The train whistle sounded loudly through the platform and Edward knew he had to board. "Be safe, Sybil. I'll be thinking of you."
Sybil gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I you. I hope tomorrow goes well. Tell George that I miss him and that I wish him the best. Good luck."
Edward nodded in thanks and quickly leaned down to kiss her. Sybil's heart fluttered and in moments, the kiss had ended and Edward had to get onto the train. "Goodbye, Sybil."
"Goodbye, Edward." Sybil watched as he waved goodbye to them before glancing back at Sybil once more. He smiled at her, but it was a smile that held a hint of sadness from the uncertainty of when they would see one another again. He boarded the train and soon was gone from Sybil's sight. The few hours they had spent with one another had come and gone and once again, Sybil was faced with reality.
Elliot, Helen, and Sybil quickly left the station once Edward's train left. The blackout had not yet begun and Sybil hoped that the Woodhams would not be walking in the darkness to their own home once they left her at the hospital. Sybil walked quickly with her one hand in her coat pocket and the other on her purse as if to protect the book that Edward had given her. Despite the short time spent with Edward, Sybil remembered she had something else to look forward to: her father's visit on Sunday. Her heart ached to see her Papa again, even though she had seen him one week ago. She couldn't wait to hear his voice, full of love, see his charming smile, and see his eyes filled with happiness.
"Thank you for everything, Helen," Sybil said as she walked through the courtyard with her and her husband.
Helen hugged Sybil and patted her back gently. "Anytime, Sybil. We're glad you were able to spend some time with Edward and us today. I'll see you on Monday. Dinner Wednesday?"
Sybil smiled and pulled away from Helen. "Dinner Wednesday. Goodnight."
Elliot nodded at Sybil and pulled her into a quick hug, as well. "Goodnight, Sybil. See you next week."
Sybil went up the steps to the hospital and looked back behind her to see Elliot and Helen leave. Once they left the courtyard, Sybil went inside. As she made her way up the stairs, she felt her feet ache slightly from running after Edward. She smirked softly as the memory came back to her. She remained silent on the staircase, in case anyone was asleep, but when she entered the room, only a few girls were there and they were all awake. Sybil greeted them and went to her bed, where she sat down and immediately took her shoes off. She glanced over at the bed next to her and frowned at the sight of Grace's absence. She had so much to tell her.
Sybil settled herself on her bed and took the book of France out of her purse. She opened it to the first page with Edward's message. She read it over again and felt immensely happy once more. She stared up at the ceiling and silently prayed that this was not all just some dream and that Edward would remain in her life. She also said a silent prayer for her family, especially for George as he left for training tomorrow. She then turned onto her side and began to look through the book but the moment her eyes gazed upon the Arc de Triomphe, the scheduled blackout began. Sybil, as well as the other girls in the room, turned their lamps off before going to the window to watch the buildings across from them become nothing but darkness.
Earlier that evening at Downton Abbey, George and Marigold were seated in the sitting room downstairs together watching the sunset. George had been rather quiet all day and Marigold could see that he was beginning to become anxious. His knee bobbed up and down as they sat and he chewed on his bottom lip. He appeared to be nothing more than a frightened little boy. Marigold looked at her cousin, who kept his gaze fixated on the sunset outside the window. She gently placed her hand over his bobbing knee. George glanced back at her. "What's up, Marigold?"
"Your knee is bobbing up and down like a buoy," Marigold said. "You're anxious, aren't you?"
George glanced down at his knee and stopped its bobbing. "Oh, I didn't notice," he sighed. He placed his hand over Marigold's hand and squeezed it. He stood from his seat and went over to the window. "I am anxious," he said, finally answering her question. "If I had a pipe, I'd smoke it."
Marigold chuckled in disbelief and followed her cousin to the window. "A pipe like Sherlock Holmes'?"
"Exactly, my dear Watson."
Marigold giggled but knew she should return to the original topic. "George, it's alright. You're only going to training, they're not sending you out there yet. I thought you were excited."
"I know. I thought I was excited too until I woke up feeling as though someone was about to push me off a cliff without warning." He began to pace slightly. "Have you ever had a dream where you were falling? You just fall and fall and suddenly you wake up and you're so grateful that you're in your bed safe at home?"
"Of course. I think everyone has experienced a dream like that."
"I have a feeling that that's going to be how I feel once I leave here except I won't be able to wake up in my bed at Downton. Maybe I'm not meant to be out there. I'm the grandson of the Earl of Grantham, the next in line. I don't belong out there."
Marigold listened in silence. This did not sound like the usual George at all. What happened to her brave cousin? "George," she began, "if I know my cousin, I know he will be the bravest soldier. Nothing will ever happen to him. He craves adventure and he shall get it."
"Is this he me?" George asked with a small smirk.
"Yes, it's you!" Marigold smiled. There he was. "You'll be alright, George, just as Sybil will be."
"Well, we haven't seen any action yet, Marigold. We have no idea what it'll be like."
Marigold blinked. He was right, everything was stagnant right now for Sybil and soon, George. She sighed in response and crossed her arms. "Well, nothing will happen. If anything does, I'll go get the two of you myself and bring you home straight away."
George laughed and put his arm around his cousin. "That's silly, Marigold. If anything, I want to stay with the family no matter what but I can't."
The door opened and Marigold immediately turned around and a smile appeared on her face. "Uncle Tom!"
George looked over. "Ah, Uncle Tom has decided to grace us with his presence."
Tom chuckled and walked over to his niece and nephew. "Hello, you two. Watching the sunset?"
Marigold nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful."
"Blinding," George added. "But I can't look away."
"George. What have you been up to today, Uncle?"
"Oh, nothing important," Tom said to Marigold. "Has Edward arrived in London yet, George?"
"I spoke to him this morning so I do believe that his train arrived an hour or so ago. I'm sure Sybil is surprised."
"I'm sure," Tom said before sitting down on a settee. He picked up a newspaper that was left there from this morning and looked through it. His eyes skimmed over an article written about the rationing of petrol. He thought the rationing would do some good as it would prevent more Londoners from driving during a scheduled blackout. He hoped Sybil was remaining indoors during this time so that she would not find herself in any sort of accident; the reports of frequent car accidents in London were frightening to him.
Marigold looked back at the sunset. "What do you think Sybil and Edward are doing right now?"
"Probably kissing," George said. Marigold's eyes widened in horror and she said George's name scoldingly in a harsh whisper. She whipped her head around to see how her uncle had reacted. He was clearly trying to repress and a chuckle but he did not look over to them, he simply shook his head and turned a page of the newspaper. Marigold looked back at George, who was smiling triumphantly. "You know it's true," he said to her.
Marigold blushed and crossed her arms. "Enough, George."
"Yes, enough, George," Tom said from behind the newspaper.
George couldn't help but laugh but he apologized swiftly afterward. He then went and sat across from his Uncle. Tom could feel eyes on him so he slowly lowered the newspaper and set it aside. He leaned forward slightly and looked at George. "What's on your mind, George?"
George's knee started bobbing up and down again and Tom noticed right away. "A lot, actually," George said. "Do you think I'm brave, Uncle? I thought I was but now I'm just… I feel as though I'm walking blindly into this. Everyone was right."
Marigold glanced over and slowly made her way next to her uncle, who was gathering his thoughts. "You are brave, George," Tom said. "I think in life, we all do things blindly. We don't know the future so everything we do, we're taking a chance. I can see that you may be anxious about this now but you're no coward, George. We'll be nearby and maybe this war will end before your training is complete."
George nodded and was truly grateful for his uncle's words. He stood up and extended his hand out to him. "I'm so glad I have an uncle like you."
Tom, extremely flattered, stood and took his nephew's hand. The two shook hands before pulling each other into a quick hug. "And I couldn't have asked for a better nephew," Tom said as he patted George's arm. Marigold smiled as she watched the two but her heart was stirring with sadness; once George was gone, she would be completely alone.
George made an announcement before dinner that he wished to see no tears or sad faces from anyone at the table. With his confidence back, he told his family that he wished to have a normal dinner with normal conversation. There would be no talk of war or his leaving until the following morning; everyone seemed to agree with the idea.
"Do you remember that one dinner where the children were flicking peas at one another with their forks?" Edith asked as the family ate together. "I forget how many years ago it was exactly. Six or seven."
Tom laughed. "I do remember."
George grinned. "They were disgusting. I think I accidentally sent one flying across the table and into Donk's glass."
The table erupted in laughter and Robert, pretending to not be amused, shook his head softly. "And no one bothered to tell me."
"We wanted to see if you would actually drink it without noticing," Marigold giggled. "I think Sybbie kept targeting me because I remember my hair being full of peas after dinner."
Edith looked at her daughter. "Yes, dear, remember you cried because you thought your hair would turn green?"
There was more laughter and Marigold covered her face in embarrassment as she giggled.
"Ah, Sybbie," Robert sighed. "My dear girl." The table grew quiet and Robert sensed the changing mood right away. He glanced at Tom and saw his eyes cast downward onto his plate. Damn, I ruined it. Wanting the laughter to return, Robert took a pea from his plate and placed it on his fork. I must be going mad, he thought as he sent a pea flying into Mary's glass. Mary was startled by the sudden small plop. Henry covered his mouth with his hand to try to hide his smirk.
"Papa!" Mary said. "Did you just-" another pea went flying onto her plate. "Papa," she repeated, doing her best to hold back a smile.
Cora repressed a laugh. "Really, Robert, must you disturb the peace?"
"You mean, disturb the peas?" George asked before doubling over in laughter. Tom laughed aloud and sent a pea flying over to Bertie, who was already sending peas Edith's way.
"Bertie!" Edith laughed as she leaned closer toward her daughter. Marigold gently pushed her mother forward to shield her own self from the flying food. The giggles were neverending.
"What a waste of perfectly good food," Mary sighed. Henry then placed a pea on the top of her head and looked away as if he had nothing to do with it. With her lips pursed, Mary took a pea from her plate and did the same. He glanced at her and she looked away from him, her smirk lingering.
Laughter and peas had filled the air. Robert could not recall seeing his family so joyous. He had no idea why they all became red in the face from laughter over this silliness but seeing them this happy made his heart content.
When Thomas Barrow entered the dining room, he was taken by surprise. He saw peas being launched from each member of the family seated at the table. Lady Grantham and even Lord Grantham were engaged in it. Around the table, peas lay everywhere. There would be much cleanup to do afterward, that was certain. Barrow, however, smiled at the rare sight of the entire family being silly. He approached the table with wine and cleared his throat. "More wine, my lord?" He asked Robert, who was dodging a pea sent by Tom.
"Oh, yes, please," Robert said without looking at him. "Aha! George, I think that one fell into the pocket of your shirt."
"You think, Donk?"
Barrow smiled and poured the wine for Lord Grantham. He carefully went from family member to family member, dodging whatever was being thrown and filled their nearly empty glasses with the drink of their choice. As he walked away, George called out to him: "Barrow, wait!"
Thomas Barrow faced George and nodded. "Yes, Master George?"
Without warning, George sent a pea flying over to Barrow. It bounced off his shoulder and onto the floor. "It's a peas offering," George joked.
Barrow laughed. "Very clever, Master George," he said before he left the room. He chuckled and he hoped that once George Crawley had left the Downton, the happiness of the family would not go along with him.
After dinner, the family retreated to the drawing room but George stayed behind, hoping to catch his grandfather. "Donk?" He asked as he walked over to him. Robert stopped walking and looked at his grandson. "I was wondering if you wanted to take a short walk with me outside," George said to him.
"Walk outside at this hour? Isn't it cold out? George, at my age I cannot risk my health."
George frowned and Cora both overheard and saw the exchange. She placed her hand on Robert's arm. "Come now, dear, he said it would only be a short walk. Your only grandson wishes to spend time with you before he leaves."
Robert deeply sighed. "Well, alright then. I'm sorry, George. Yes, I shall join you. Let's go."
As his grandfather began to walk away, George looked at his grandmother and hugged her. "Thank you," he said to her before kissing her cheek and following Robert. Cora smiled and watched the two leave. She quickly dabbed her eyes before any tears fell and joined the rest of her family.
"So what's this about?" Robert asked as he and his grandson walked side-by-side past Downton Abbey.
George shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "I know I said to not talk about me leaving but I believe I am about to break my own rule. Will you all be able to get on without me?" He asked jokingly. He could see that his grandfather, however, remained serious.
"I don't know how we will get on without you, George," Robert said. "It was different when you were at school. At least you'll be nearby. I'm grateful for that."
"I am too, Donk."
"Next time I see you, I want to see how dashing you look in uniform. Your mother may cry at the sight of you."
George snickered. "I can't wait to see myself in uniform either. All the ladies will love me."
Robert patted his grandson's back. "George, really, whatever happens, and whatever you go through in training or wherever they send you, always have courage. You don't need to prove anything to us by doing something rash and risking your life, alright? You're already a hero in all our eyes and we are always proud of you. Be kind to your fellow soldiers, you never know when you'll need them to…" Robert paused. "To save your life."
"I understand, Donk. I'll always be courageous, though I must confess I am a tad less courageous than I was yesterday. If something happens, however, I'm not going to sit idly by. I'm going to help my fellow soldiers and my people."
"Yes, I suppose I cannot stop you from doing anything that you need to do." Robert glanced up at the night sky. "You said you wanted to fly the planes, did you not?"
George looked up, as well. "I do. I want to be up there. I feel as though there is true freedom up in the sky."
Robert lowered his gaze to his grandson and saw that he had a smile on his face. He wished that he had the power to end the war at this moment. He wished that his grandchildren, born after the Great War, would not ever experience becoming young adults in a new war that is said to be even more destructive than the first. If he could keep them safe, not just his grandchildren, but his entire family safe, he would. He had tried his best all his life to keep them safe; there had been so many lost and he could not lose anymore. If he were to lose George or Sybbie, all traces of Sybil and Matthew would be lost forever. Marigold would remain, he would not let her leave, though he knew she would perhaps put up a fight if she wanted to join her cousins. War was no place for them, they were children. He missed the days of the three of them playing "pretend" war with George's toy soldiers in the nursery. He knew that the next time George and Sybbie returned to Downton, they would be adults, rather than children. They were adults now but with a childlike presence; he hoped that would not be tarnished by the horrors of war if they were to experience it.
"Donk?"
Robert left his thoughts and looked at George. "Sorry, I was thinking about something."
"I could see that," George said. "Look." George reached into his shirt pocket and took a small green pea out. "You were right, it did land in my shirt pocket. Good aim, Donk!"
Robert Crawley laughed and muttered something about what nonsense dinner had been. George threw the pea forward into the darkness and laughed as he wished it well. "Shall we go back inside?" George asked, turning back toward the entrance to Downton Abbey. "It's much chillier than I anticipated."
"Yes, let's," Robert said. "I do love you, George."
"I love you too, Donk."
When they joined their family again, George made sure that the laughter would continue. He brought up stories from the past and those who had more stories to share would chime in. The humor distracted him from his own nervousness about the following morning and he could see it was providing a great distraction for his mother too. Toward the end of the evening, however, the mood became more somber. The family exchanged their goodnights and George was tightly embraced by his mother. It was his last evening at Downton for quite some time so George made sure to give each family member extra attention before they all parted ways.
Once George was upstairs and in his bedroom, he double-checked his suitcase to be sure that he had everything. He had set aside a small photograph from 1928 of him, his mother, and his father, Henry, to take with him. Gazing at the photo, he let out a small laugh. He remembered the day it was taken very well. He had not wanted to take a photo and was very cross about it. Sybbie was there and she was teasing him from behind the cameraman in order to get him to smile but she failed. However, when his grandfather's dog was let loose and began chasing Sybbie across Downton's lawn, George finally smiled and the picture was a success. With great care, George placed the photograph in between two shirts and closed the suitcase.
George yawned and fell into bed. Despite being so tired, he couldn't quiet his mind. He wondered if this was how Sybil felt the night before she left Downton. He kept reminding himself not to worry since Edward would be there tomorrow, as well, and seeing a familiar face would surely make him feel comfortable. Once George forced himself to close his eyes, he knew that when he opened them again, everything would be different. Summer had ended and a new season would arrive for him and his family.
