Hello, readers! I just wanted to express my thanks for the support I have received since continuing this story. It all truly means so much! I hope you continue to enjoy this story as much as I enjoy writing it. Thank you again! - Kaity
October 13th, 1939
Dearest Edward,
How are you and my cousin? I hope you two are well despite all the constant tasks you are doing from morning to night. And yes, I am beyond well, as you hope I am. Do forgive me for the lateness of this letter as life here has suddenly become so busy for me and I shall explain that soon. I'm sure life has become even busier for you, as well. No matter, I was delighted to receive your latest letter. It makes me so happy to hear from you and to know what is happening in yours and George's new life at camp.
As I wrote and as it seems, our lives have become quite busy. Your letter really surprised me. Training does really sound grueling! All those miles you run and marches you do sound exhausting, as well. Also, George firing a rifle sounds a bit dangerous; keep a close eye on him. Every night, I pray for you and George to have the strength to make it through another day of training. I know George is definitely not accustomed to such a rigorous schedule even if we were frequently on a demanding schedule as children at Downton. It has been almost three weeks since your last letter so I'm sure you and George are used to the daily tasks by now and have built your stamina thus far. I can't wait to hear about what more you're doing and I hope the other men you're training with are as kind as you and George are.
My own training here is not as demanding as yours, of course, but it has become quite tiring. I only just had the time where I could sit down and write this to you. During these past weeks, my lectures have become increasingly difficult. I spend a lot of hours in the library with my friend, Grace Crawford, and a new friend of ours, Sarah Peltzer. We even take our books with us to dinner and while we eat, we test each other on which bones are which and where they are located. I must admit that more than a few times, I have fallen asleep during our sessions of writing or studying, but I have gotten good marks and wonderful comments from my professors on my work.
Along with my studying, I have continued working alongside Helen Woodhams but instead of supplying medical closets with her, I am now assisting her with the administration of medication to patients. I also get to watch her check the patient's vitals. When I'm not scheduled to assist her, I am back to supplying medical closets or cleaning. I usually do these tasks alone now or sometimes or with another nurse-in-training. Once a week, I assist an ambulance driver during his drives to retrieve patients. This week, we went to help an elderly woman who fell in her home. She had broken her arm and I was able to tend to her to the best of my knowledge before we reached the hospital. She is doing much better now, thank goodness! I sometimes drive the ambulances, too! Don't worry, I'm being very observant as I drive.
I almost forgot to mention that I witnessed a surgery last week! They had been taking some of the other nurses-in-training in groups to witness a surgery whenever it was scheduled and last Thursday, it was my group's turn. We witnessed a surgery on a man's leg and as gruesome as it was, I found it fascinating! Some girls were sent outside because they looked as though they were about to faint. Grace stood behind me to purposefully obstruct her view and when I looked back at her, she was paler than a ghost. As for myself, I was a little uneasy at first but I did not allow the doctor to see me flinch. For a brief moment, he even let me assist in handing him the medical instruments he desired. I really am looking forward to doing it again. That is my life so far at St. Margaret's. I am happy here though nothing compares to the happiness I feel with I am home with my family or with you. I hope that you, despite the circumstances, are happy too.
I've written so much and I wish I could continue writing but Grace is standing over my shoulder urging me to hurry. We're leaving soon to a restaurant and then going to the cinema together to see a film. I've been looking forward to it all week!
I eagerly wait for your next letter, sweetheart. I still haven't thought of a better name for you, but I think 'sweetheart' shall do for now. Be safe and take care, Edward. Tell George 'hello' for me and tell him that I send my love.
Yours,
Sybil Branson
"Sybil, please hurry. We're hungry and it's cold!" Grace complained as she shivered in her coat. Sarah Peltzer stood next to her quietly with her hands tucked into her own coat pockets. She leaned gently against the postbox as she watched Sybil take the letter for Edward from her coat pocket.
"Alright, Grace, alright," Sybil said as she revealed the envelope. With a light sigh, Sybil placed a gentle kiss on the back of the letter and slipped it into the postbox. An "aw!" emitted from Grace and Sybil turned around and smiled at her.
"I've always wanted to do that!" Grace sang. "I need to find a handsome chap to write letters to."
Sybil blushed and looked at Sarah. "Shall we go then? We haven't much time before we need to be at the cinema. We all have our identity cards, yes?"
"Yes!" Grace said, taking her own card out of her purse as proof.
"I do," Sarah nodded and began walking. "I know the best little restaurant nearby. It isn't a far walk from the cinema either."
"Wonderful," Sybil smiled as she followed her friend along with Grace, who was still shivering.
It was now well into October and the weather was beginning to change drastically from the warm September days. The winds were picking up, the chill in the air was beginning to become piercing, and London had been painted with dashes of orange and brown from the falling leaves. Aside from the weather, more changes had occurred, as well. A National Registration Act was established, which required everyone, including children, to carry identity cards with them. Sybil, along with everyone in the hospital, had to fill out forms with their information and soon, their cards were given to them. They would have to carry them wherever they went and present them when asked.
Another change that occurred in Sybil's life was that Grace and Sarah had become acquainted at the beginning of the month and since then, the three girls were almost inseparable. They studied together, they ate together, and spend the little free time they had had together. Though quiet, Sarah was grateful for Sybil's and Grace's friendship and because of Grace's warm personality, Sarah even felt comfortable enough to tell her that she was Jewish and had family in Poland. Grace was delighted with her disclosure and assured her that she did not need to be afraid of making it known that she was Jewish but Sarah still wished to keep it to herself, as she was aware that not everyone would be as welcoming.
At the end of September, Warsaw had surrendered and had fallen to the Germans. Parts of the city lay in ruins and lives were being destroyed. Sarah had no information as to what was happening to her family and their letters seemed to have stopped indefinitely. She constantly worried for their safety and even ran to see if any mail had arrived for her every morning. Sybil and Grace could see the worry in her eyes and the sadness could be sensed by those around her, so they decided that since it was Friday, they should spend the evening out together. It would be a fine distraction for all of them from their usual day-to-day.
"I can't wait to see The Wizard of Oz! I've read wonderful things about it!" Grace smiled as she took her seat next to Sybil on the bus.
"I am too," Sybil said to her. "I read the novel when I was young and I don't remember all the details, but I believe I enjoyed it. I'm sure the movie will be delightful! Are you excited too, Sarah?"
Sarah, who was looking out the window of the bus, looked back at her friend and smiled softly. "I'm not familiar with the story but going to the cinema is always nice."
"And it's nice to have a break from studying. We deserve this evening to ourselves, ladies," Grace said proudly.
When the bus arrived at the intended stop, Sybil, Sarah, and Grace hopped off and made their way to the restaurant together. The restaurant was small yet grand in decor. The walls were ordained with various paintings of London, which had a magical quality to them from the dim light that emanated from the table lamps. Sybil and her friends were led to a table near the window, where they had a view of London's nightlife. With menus in hand, the trio was ready to partake in a delicious meal together.
"Look," Sarah said as she looked up at the painting hanging above their table. "The Thames at night. What a lovely work of art."
"Beautiful," Grace said as her eyes scanned the menu. "Mm, the dinners are served with potatoes."
Sybil chuckled from behind her menu. "I think I'd like something light. Perhaps I'll have the soup special."
"I was looking at the same," Sarah said with a nod. "Grace, if you enjoy potatoes, I'll have to make you placki ziemniaczane someday."
"Placki what?" Grace asked, raising a brow at her friend. "I don't speak Polish, Sarah, remember?"
Sarah laughed quietly. "They're potato pancakes, really. My family used to make them a lot. My babcia's recipe is the best. She would make them for more so much as a child."
Grace set her menu down and leaned in toward Sarah with great interest. "Tell me more."
Delighted, Sarah began to tell Grace about the preparation of the potato pancakes; Sybil began to listen too, but the thought of them made her hungrier and she continued to look at the menu. As she read the names of dishes in her head, she began to wonder what her family was doing. She knew they were perhaps getting ready for dinner and she wished she could be there with them again. She wanted to see all of their faces again and talk to them. More than anything, she wanted to see her grandfather again. Donk, I miss you so much. Sybil sighed out loud and placed her menu down on the table. She continued to listen to Sarah and Grace talk about the potato pancakes but as she listened, she glanced out the window. The moment she did, however, someone walked by that caught her eye and she caught his. The young man stopped walking and stared at her through the window, a smile beginning to appear on his face.
"Sybil," Grace said, looking in the same direction, "isn't that-"
"Peter Harlow," Sybil said, still watching him from her seat. She smiled at him and waved, in which he responded with a big wave. Peter went closer to the window - a little too close - and began talking. Sybil couldn't hear a word he was saying so she simply shrugged her arms and tapped her ear to communicate with him that she couldn't hear. Peter rolled his eyes and pointed to himself and then to the table she was seated at.
"I think he wants to join us!" Grace giggled.
"Er, join us?" Sarah asked almost nervously. "Who is he?"
Sybil looked away from the window and at Sarah. "An ambulance driver at the hospital and a friend of mine. Don't worry, I'll send him away," she said with a smile.
"Oh, Sybil, if he wishes to join us, we can't send him away."
"Don't worry, Sarah," Sybil said to her before turning back to the window. She shook her head with an apologetic expression but Peter simply smirked, shook his head, and walked away. Sybil smiled triumphantly and looked back at her friends. "See, he's gone."
"Sybil! Don't be cruel. He should join us, he's handsome," she teased.
"Grace, please," Sybil laughed. "He's just-"
"Good evening, ladies!"
Sybil turned her head and was not surprised to see Peter Harlow standing before their table with a big grin on his face. She pursed her lips together to feign annoyance. "Peter," she said with a nod. "I thought you had left."
"Not at all, Sybil Branson," he winked. "I was simply finding the entrance." He then looked at Sarah and Grace, who was already blushing at his presence. "May I join you ladies? I assume you all are having dinner? If you don't want me here, I won't be hurt. I understand."
Sybil sighed and looked at Sarah and Grace. Grace immediately jumped to accept his request. "Yes, of course!" She said, gesturing to the empty seat in between her and Sybil.
"You may," Sarah said in a friendly tone. "We haven't eaten yet so you're just in time." She then gave him a kind smile. "Please, sit."
Sybil was surprised by Sarah's acceptance of Peter. Though she was shy and closed off to many people, Sybil suspected she had no choice than to allow Peter to join them. Sybil, herself, was not annoyed at Peter's presence in reality. She quite liked Peter and enjoyed his company and though this evening was supposed to be spent with her friends, she saw Peter as a friend as well and saw almost no problem in his joining them. As long as Sarah and Grace were accepting of the idea, then Sybil was happy.
"See, Branson," Peter smiled as he took his seat next to her. "You wanted to send me away but your friends are fine with me being here."
"I was only joking, Harlow," Sybil said, raising a brow at him.
"I know," Peter laughed. "I'm joking too. Anyway, how are you, Sybil?"
"Just fine, and yourself," Sybil asked with a smile.
"Just fine, as well. Ah, who are your friends?" Peter asked. "I've seen you around the hospital many times. You look familiar," he said to Grace. "I'm Peter Harlow, but do call me Peter. I drive the ambulance and do odd jobs around St. Margaret's."
"Yes, I've seen you too." Grace's blush deepened. "I'm Grace Crawford. You may call me Grace. It's wonderful to officially meet you. Sybil has told me about your adventures with the ambulance."
Peter smiled proudly. "Likewise, Miss Crawford, ah, I mean, Grace. I hope Sybil only tells you good things. They are good things, yes?"
"Most of them are good," Sybil said as she turned her menu over.
Peter chuckled and then focused his attention on Sarah. "Hello. What's your name?"
"My name is Sarah Peltzer," Sarah said to Peter with a smile. "I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Harlow."
"Sarah Peltzer, I don't believe I've seen you before. Well, I'm glad to meet you too." Peter studied Sarah for a moment, and she averted her eyes. "You have an accent," he said.
Sybil, Grace, and Sarah's eyes widened at his last comment. Nervous glances were exchanged between Grace and Sybil, who knew that Sarah had wanted to keep her Polish identity a secret but Peter's bold comment now put her in a difficult situation. Despite that, Sarah stared back at him confidently.
"I do," she said.
Peter stared at her for a few moments before giving her a friendly smile. "It's lovely."
More glances were exchanged between Grace and Sybil when Sarah's cheeks pinkened. "Thank you," she said with a nod before hiding behind her menu.
Peter then picked up his menu too and looked over the options. "I'm starved. This all looks wonderful! I'm so glad I saw Sybil through the window. I'd much rather be eating here than at the hospital. Same food every day there."
"What were you even doing all the way out here in the first place?" Sybil asked.
"Oh, I was leaving an old coat of mine with a tailor and as I was making my way to the bus stop, I saw you through that window. Actually, that's not correct, you were actually looking at me first."
Sybil tucked her hair behind her ear and shook her head. "I was looking out the window originally and then saw you walk by. I didn't even realize it was you at first," she explained.
Peter waved her words away and looked at Grace and Sybil. "Anyway, Sybil was looking at me and then my attention was caught and now here I am."
Grace giggled. "Fascinating. Well, we're happy to have you here, Peter."
"And I am happy to be here."
During the conversation, Peter continued to make the girls laugh, especially Grace. His presence definitely added to their outing and when he discovered they were to see The Wizard of Oz after dinner, he begged to be allowed to join them. All three girls agreed, of course, and the group of friends was quite excited about their time together.
By the time their dinner arrived at the table, Sarah was already comfortable with Peter and she partook in conversations Sybil and Grace were sharing with him. Sybil was having a marvelous time. At some point during dinner, music even began to play from a record player within the restaurant. Grace danced in her seat as she ate and Sarah laughed softly as she watched her.
"What's your favorite type of music, girls?" Peter asked as he ate.
"Opera is my favorite," Sarah said without hesitation. "Stanisław Moniuszko is my favorite composer." She then realized that if Peter didn't suspect she was Polish then, he most definitely knew now.
"Oh! I don't believe I've ever heard of him," Peter said. "Opera is nice, though."
Sarah nodded, grateful that he seemed to still have no idea. "He's wonderful. Sybil, what's your favorite type of music?"
"Swing and jazz," Sybil said happily. "Reminds me of home."
Grace made a face. "Home? That's American music, silly. You live in Downton."
Sybil was confused by Grace's words for a brief moment but then she realized that she had not yet told her friends the truth about her life. Grace, Sarah, and Peter thought that she was a simple girl from the village of Downton. They had no idea they were friends with the granddaughter of the Earl of Grantham and that she had spent much of her life in the grand Downton Abbey. If they had known that, they would be shocked. What would shock them the most, however, is that she and her father resided in Boston, Massachusetts. She wasn't sure when and if she would ever disclose this information to them but for now, Sybil was proud of herself for keeping it a secret for this long.
"Ah, yes, we play a lot of jazz records at home," Sybil said nonchalantly to Grace; it wasn't a lie either. Sybil and her father regularly played music as they lounged in their home. Her father quite enjoyed jazz and how modern it was. It was different than any music he had heard when he was Sybil's age.
"I see," Grace said as she popped a small potato into her mouth.
Sybil nodded and continued eating but soon, a catchy melody began to fill the air and she immediately knew what it was. "I adore this song," she said, setting her spoon down. "It's 'The Way You Look Tonight'. It's from a Fred Astaire film with Ginger Rogers."
"Oh, I know him!" Grace said as she ate. "Not personally, but I know of him."
"The film is Swing Time, isn't it? I believe I saw it," Peter said.
Sybil nodded at him, quite impressed that he had seen the film. "Yes, that's the one! Astaire and Rogers dance so perfectly together."
"It's as though they were born to dance together," Sarah added.
Sybil nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I wish I could dance like them."
Peter's eyes lit up and he suddenly had an idea. "We should go dancing sometime! Do you like to dance, Sybil?"
"I do! I love to dance."
"I know who you love to dance with," Grace teased.
Sybil blushed and continue to have her soup, but Peter was now watching her with great curiosity.
"Who?" He asked.
"Edward," Sarah smiled, answering for Sybil. Grace and Sarah knew all about him since Sybil had told them about her time spent with him before going to London, but of course, she left out details that would make them realize her life may not be as simple as it seemed. They both thought it all very romantic.
"Her sweetheart!" Grace said, clapping her hands together.
Peter's fork almost fell from his hand. "Sweetheart?" Peter asked, almost sounding disappointed. "I've not heard about this. Who is he?"
"His name is Edward Trent," Sybil said, smiling softly as she said his name. "He's off at training right now."
"Oh," Peter simply said. "Well, we should still go dancing."
"Yes, I would love that," Sybil said, returning to her soup. She couldn't help but notice Peter's quiet demeanor from that moment onward. Was he disappointed in the fact that she had not told him about Edward? She hadn't seen the need to, though he did seem to be flirtatious with her at times. Sybil didn't think Peter actually fancied her and she felt she was overthinking now. He was merely a friend and she would continue to treat him as such.
Thankfully, once dinner was finished, Peter was back to his old self again. Once the group paid, they left the restaurant together and began their walk to the cinema. Peter led the way while the three girls followed behind, expressing their excitement with one another about the film they were about to see. The cinema itself was not so far from the restaurant and within ten minutes, the group had arrived. They purchased their tickets and entered the grand building together.
"How shall we arrange ourselves?" Sarah asked as they approached a row of empty seat. "I'll go in first. Grace, would you like to sit next to me?"
"Yes, of course," Grace smiled, following Sarah through the row and to her designated seat. She looked back, hoping that Peter would sit next to her, but when she saw Peter urge Sybil to take the next seat, she frowned. She plopped down in her seat gently as Sybil made her way through the row.
"We arrived just in time," Sybil said as she sat.
"Yes, I was worried we wouldn't," Grace said, leaning over slightly to see Peter walking to the empty seat next to Sybil. "Lucky you, Sybil. You get to sit next to him. I'm very jealous," she whispered to her with a giggle.
Sybil shook her head softly and began to stand from her seat. "I can ask him to switch seats with me if you'd like. Here, I'll tell him-"
"No!" Grace laughed, pulling Sybil back down in her seat. "No, Sybil, I'm too embarrassed. I'm content with this."
Sybil rolled her eyes playfully and patted Grace's arm. "Really, Grace."
"What about Grace?" Peter asked, taking his seat next to Sybil. He leaned forward to hear what they were saying but Grace could only smile and shake her head.
"Nothing! Now, shush, everyone. The film will begin soon."
As soon as the film began, Sybil could feel the happiness bubbling within her. In the opening credits of the film, she read that the film was dedicated to the "Young in Heart", which to her, sounded beautiful. She and her friends were still young in heart; many people were. The war had not yet clouded the views of the youth and things were still relatively normal.
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby…"
Sybil's eyes slowly welled up with tears as the character, Dorothy, began to sing. The lyrics stirred emotion in her heart and she was suddenly reminded of her youth and her family, especially of her mother. She liked the idea of her mother being somewhere over the rainbow watching her from above. The thought was comforting and the vivid imagery the lyrics made Sybil emotional. What she would give to have her father and mother be here with her right now to see the film and hear the enchanting song. Quickly, she wiped a tear away from her eye before she let it fall. She then felt a hand rest gently on her arm.
"Are you alright?" Peter whispered to her.
Sybil glanced at him quickly and nodded before returning her gaze to the screen.
"Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me…"
Sybil heard a sniffle escape from Grace and the two girls exchanged tearful glances. "This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard in my life," Grace whispered to her.
Sybil nodded in agreement. She too thought it was one of the most beautiful songs she had ever heard, one that she hoped she would never ever forget.
"If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,
Why, oh, why can't I?"
Tears were soon replaced with smiles and laughter as the film went on. Sybil particularly enjoyed the Cowardly Lion. She wished Marigold and George were here to see the film with her. They would be laughing right along with her at the Cowardly Lion and his antics. Her father would be laughing too and her grandfather! She was sure Donk would enjoy the film. She told herself that one day, she would have to see the film with her entire family; it would be such a wonderful time!
By the end of the film, Sybil, Grace, and now Sarah, were in tears again. The ending scene where Dorothy said goodbye to her new friends and all of Oz to return home reminded all of them too much of when they left their homes for London and eventually, they would have to all say goodbye to each other when it was time for them to leave London too. "There's no place like home…" Grace heard Sarah repeat the line in a whisper to herself as the scene went on. There truly was no place like home for Sybil and her friends. They were far from Boston, Bristol, Warsaw, and even Downton, but no matter where they would go and no matter what the war would be like, those places would always be regarded as home.
"What a beautiful film!" Grace sighed as the friends left the cinema together. "Everything about it was like a dream!"
"I loved it!" Sybil smiled. "Sarah? Peter? What did you two think?"
"Beautiful," Sarah said. "The colors were mesmerizing, and the music!"
"It was all excellent. I'm glad I saw it with the three of you," Peter said, glancing out into the street. It was dark now but the streetlamps remained on. "We better be on our way to the hospital now. Come on, ladies, let's follow the yellow brick road!" He sang as he began to walk.
Sarah and Grace laughed as they followed Peter. Sybil watched them with a smile and quickly ran to Sarah's side to walk with her.
"Somewhere over the rainbow… Oh, I've forgotten the rest," Grace huffed.
Sybil and Sarah laughed out loud and Peter stopped walking to laugh, as well.
"There was something about lemon drops, wasn't there?" Peter asked, now walking at Grace's side.
"I believe so," Sybil laughed but immediately stopped when she heard something in the distance. A quiet wailing began to sound from afar and suddenly, the disturbing sound now sounded through the street they were on. Sarah tensed up and grabbed onto Sybil's arm, looking around frantically. Grace gasped and also began to look around, wide-eyed and nervous.
"What do we do?" She asked, turning to Peter for wisdom.
Peter watched as people left restaurants and shops around them and run to shelters. "Let's be calm," he said to Grace. "It's only a drill."
"Still, we must find shelter," Sybil said as she began to walk, Sarah still holding onto her arm. "Where do we go?" The sirens were louder now and the wailing was beginning to confuse Sybil. She spun in place as she searched for a shelter near them; even if it was a drill, they had to act as though it were real.
"Sybil, wait!" Peter called after her. "Follow me! There's a shelter in the underground station nearby!" He walked quickly, holding Grace's arm while Sybil followed with Sarah.
The stairs down into the underground station were congested since many people were trying to get through. Eventually, all four of them were in and were forced to stand uncomfortably against the wall behind others. People complained at the inconvenience of the drills while a few were voicing their fears that this was a real raid. Sybil stood in between Grace and Sarah in silence, wishing that she were in Oz rather than here at the moment. At least all she would have to fear there was the Wicked Witch, who had already been taken care of.
"I hate these so much," Grace said quietly.
"I know. It's alright, though, Grace," Sybil said to her. "It's only a drill, remember. We may not even have a real raid here at all."
"Sybil," Sarah said quietly, yet firmly. "They're in Warsaw. They'll be here eventually. They want to take everything without mercy. I can feel it, they're coming here."
Fear caught in Sybil's throat and she stared at the groups of people ahead of her as a distraction. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Grace and Peter glance over at Sarah.
"Let's… Let's not think about that," Peter's voice faltered a bit.
Sybil nodded but did not meet anyone's eyes. "Let's have hope, Sarah."
Sarah said nothing in response and for the rest of the drill, none of them said a word.
"Well, that was fun, wasn't it?" Peter asked after the all-clear sirens sounded.
"Fun?" Sybil asked as she walked up the station steps with him. "There's never anything fun about it."
Peter chuckled. "I'm joking again, Sybil."
"Well, let's hope we're never caught in a real air raid together because if you're going to be joking the entire time, it won't go well," Sybil said playfully.
"Never, Sybil, I'm very serious. I am a very serious and responsible young man," Peter boasted.
When the friends emerged from the steps, they were surprised to see that the entire street, and all of London for the matter, was in darkness. Every street lamp and window light had been turned off. Sybil could hear cars driving by slowly but she couldn't see any lights from them.
"Blast," Peter said through gritted teeth. "A blackout drill too? This isn't good. Girls, walk slowly and be sure you don't bump into anything. The buses aren't running now so it looks as though we'll have to walk the entire way back."
Sybil walked slowly, holding her arms out before her to feel her surroundings. "Sarah? Grace? Are you near me?"
"I think I'm to your left," Sarah said before lighting bumping into Peter. "Was that you?"
"'Twas me instead," Peter responded. "Alright, Sybil is to my right, Sarah is to my left. Grace, where are you?"
A yelp suddenly sounded from behind them and all three of them stopped walking immediately.
"I've tripped!" Grace cried. "Oh, these shoes are really the worst."
In the darkness, Peter began to slowly walk forward. "I'm walking towards you, Grace. Keep talking so I don't trip over you, as well."
"I think you're near - oof! You just bumped into me. Wait just a moment so I can stand," Grace said as she slowly helped herself onto her feet. She felt around for Peter and their hands met. "Peter?"
"Yes, it's me. I'm going to start walking, just be as slow as I am."
Sybil and Sarah let out a sigh of relief but remained still until Peter and Grace caught up to them. Luckily, Sybil's eyes began adjusting to the darkness but she still couldn't see much. "Are you hurt, Grace?" She asked.
"I don't think so," Grace said, now near Sybil again. "I tripped over something but I'm not sure what. I think my heel just buckled from underneath me. I'm not hurt, though."
"Perhaps it would be best if we all walked arm-in-arm," Sybil said. She heard Peter laugh at her suggestion, which caused a look of confusion to appear on her face. "What's so funny? It's a good idea, isn't it?"
"Right. Good idea, Dorothy, we'll link arms," Peter chuckled.
Sybil groaned out of frustration before laughing too. "All we're missing is a Toto."
The friends then walked arm-in-arm in the dark streets. Surprisingly, there were not many other people out walking anymore, or at least they couldn't hear anyone else. Though people were not out, drivers were. Each time they heard the low rumble of a car engine passing by them, they slowed their pace, not really knowing how close they were to the street. There had been too many reported accidents of pedestrians being hit by a driver who couldn't see them and none of them wanted to take the chance of getting hurt.
"How do we even know where we're going?" Sarah asked as they walked.
"Ah, we don't," Peter said with a nervous chuckle.
Grace let out a gasp. "Do you mean we're walking aimlessly through the night? Peter!"
"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm half sure this is the way to go."
Sybil snickered. "Half sure?"
"Who's out there?" A new voice asked loudly. The light from a torch was promptly placed over the group of friends, who had stopped walking out of fear.
Peter looked in the direction of the light and brought his hand up. "Just trying to find our way back to St. Margaret's," he said calmly. He hoped to Heaven that they weren't about to be robbed by a thief. However, when the man holding the torch was soon able to be seen in the light, Peter realized that it was a patrol officer and he immediately was calm again. "Ah, officer!"
"You're quite a distance from St. Margaret's Hospital," the officer said. "I'm Officer Patton and I patrol during scheduled blackouts. Let me see your identification cards. We need to check them during these times."
"Of course, we understand," Peter said with a nod and looked back at Sybil, Sarah, and Grace. They were already retrieving their cards from their purses. Sybil was the first to step closer to the officer and give him her identity card. Once the officer had all the cards, he removed the light of the torch from the group of friends and onto the cards as he checked the information written on them.
"Branson… Crawford… Peltzer… and Harlow," the young man said as he read through them. "Peter Harlow? Say, I know you!"
Peter tilted his head in confusion and studied the officer before him. Suddenly, he remembered that he did, indeed, know the man. "Theodore Patton!"
"Yes!" The officer smiled. The two men shook hands while Sybil, Sarah, and Grace watched, surprised and confused.
"Everyone knows each other in this city it seems," Grace muttered to Sybil, who chuckled in response.
"It's good to see you, Theo! What are the chances that we run into each other? We haven't seen each other in, oh I don't know, a few years, perhaps," Peter said, shocked at their meeting.
"It has been quite some time," Officer Patton said happily as he returned the identity cards to their owners. "Why are you out so late during a blackout?"
Peter placed his card back into his coat pocket. "We actually just left the cinema and were caught in the drill. Oh, girls, this is my friend, Theodore Patton. We lived near one another when we were young. Theo, this is Sybil Branson, Grace Crawford, and Sarah Peltzer. They're all nurses-in-training at St. Margaret's."
"Hello, ladies," Theodore greeted.
"Hello!" Grace smiled.
"Wonderful to meet you," Sybil said, dropping her identification card back into her purse.
"Do you think you can help us get back to St. Margaret's, Officer Patton?" Sarah asked gently.
Theodore rubbed his chin in thought and looked out into the street ahead. "Well, I can't leave my post, Miss Peltzer, but what I can do is give you a torch to help you find your way. You're heading in the right direction, though. Keep walking straight ahead and once you get to the streetlamp at the end, go right. You should be familiar with your surroundings once you're there, I'm assuming. There are many popular shops on that street that I'm sure you've been to before. Here," he said as took an extra torch from his belt. "I expect this to be returned to me, eh, Harlow?"
Peter grinned and took the torch. "Thank you, Theo. Stop by St. Margaret's tomorrow to retrieve it. I'll be there. This torch will help us quite a lot, though. I know these streets well since I drive through them often in the ambulance but things always look so much different in the dark."
"I understand completely," Theodore said. "Well, I best get back to my post and see if there are any others walking about. It was good to see you, Peter, and good to meet you three."
"Likewise," Grace smiled. "Now let's hurry back, I'm freezing!"
Theodore laughed and once again said his goodbyes. Soon, they went their separate ways, and with the torch in hand, Peter led Sybil and her friends safely back to St. Margaret's Hospital.
"You know, I believe Peter fancies you," Grace whispered from her bed in the darkness of the room they shared with the other girls.
Sybil, who was seated up in bed braiding her hair, looked over at Grace. "He does not, Grace. We're only friends. Let's get to sleep, yes? Dream of The Wizard of Oz." Sybil tied her braid with a ribbon and then laid down in her bed.
"Alright," Grace sighed. "That truly was a beautiful movie. There's no place like home."
Sybil sleepily smiled into her pillow as she pulled her covers over herself. "There's no place like home... You can't tell, Grace, but I just tapped my heels together three times."
Grace giggled. " Say, what did you think of Officer Patton?"
"He seems kind," Sybil yawned.
"He's handsome."
Sybil smiled softly and closed her eyes. "Goodnight, Grace."
"Goodnight, Sybil. Sleep well."
It didn't take long for Sybil to fall into a deep sleep. She dreamt of Downton Abbey but around it was an immense poppy field, surrounded by a golden road. In her dream, Sybil walked along it, alone, but determined to make her way into Downton Abbey for that was her home and there was no place like it.
"Though Spring is here to me, it's still September… That September in the rain," George sang quietly as he cleaned his boots. Edward glanced at George with a faint smirk and continued to clean his own boots. This Friday had been a particularly difficult day of training due to the weather and only an hour before, they had been running miles in the rain. Their boots had become so muddied that they were ordered to return to their barracks and clean their boots until the mud was all gone.
"Why'd you look at me like that, Ed?" George asked. "You don't like my singing?"
"Not particularly," Edward said as he took a sponge to his boots.
"Pfft, if Sybil were singing, you wouldn't mind," George teased.
"True but that's different, George. Sybil's voice is actually a pleasure to listen to. You're not."
George feigned insult. "How rude. You're just cross because she hasn't responded to your letter."
Edward stopped sponging his boots and looked at George. "Did we check the postbox this morning?"
George rolled his eyes at his friend. "Yes, this morning just as we did yesterday morning and the previous morning and the morning before that and the morning before that."
Edward said nothing and returned to his task. He had sent Sybil a letter weeks ago and still hadn't received a response from her. He was worried that the letter may have been lost but maybe she had indeed received it and simply forgot to respond, which saddened him a bit. You're overthinking, Edward, he thought to himself.
"Don't let it bother you too much, Edward. She may just be busy. Perhaps her reply is well on its way as we speak," George told him, knowing that the lack of communication from his cousin could be frustrating for both her and Edward.
"Perhaps," Edward sighed. "Still doesn't stop me from overthinking."
"Ah, yes, because you're a man who's in love."
Edward abruptly stopped his work and looked at George, who was now smiling as though he had just overcome a grand accomplishment. Without fear, George looked Edward in the eye. "And I'm right," he smirked.
Edward looked back at his boots and distracted himself, but George was not done with the conversation.
"I don't think this would happen," George began, "but what would you do if Sybil fell in love with a man she met in London or anywhere else while you're away at war?"
Edward hesitated. "I would unhappily accept it, I think."
"Hm, interesting. You wouldn't do a grand gesture to make her see that she's wrong? I think you would. I saw you two at Downton, you're both smitten with each other. You spent almost every moment together in Downton Abbey and were inseparable."
Edward smiled softly at the memories he had with Sybil at Downton Abbey. "Those were the best times. But I don't know, George, I don't know what I would do if she met someone else," Edward said, lightly shrugging his shoulders. "Your cousin is her own person and can make her own choices. I just hope that by the end of this war, she and I may still have a chance together."
"I hope you two do," George said. He then looked over his shoulder to see how clean the boots of the other men were. "They have there's almost spotless! How did they do that?"
"They're focused."
George scoffed. "I've been nothing but focused since we've begun this. This is the worst, I'd rather be marching again."
Edward, whose boots were now spotless too, placed them down on the floor and slipped them on. "That'll happen again soon enough," he said as he began to lace them up.
"And you're done already? How can this be?" George groaned as he pushed his blond hair back in frustration. He then went back to cleaning his boots quickly.
Edward glanced over at him and chuckled. "I'll see you in the dining hall," he said, patting George's shoulder as he walked by. He heard George mutter something back to him but Edward was already out of the barrack before he could hear everything said.
When George was finally finished cleaning his boots, he went straight to the dining hall and jokingly pestered Edward with comments about how he was abandoned by his best friend.
"I did not abandon you, don't be such a child," Edward chuckled before eating a small piece of bread. "You simply took too long."
"Did not," George echoed. He then looked around the room and took in his surroundings. "We've been here three weeks already, can you believe that?"
Edward shook his head and swallowed his food. "I can't. I'm glad we're somewhat used to our daily schedules by now. Remember how miserable it was the first few days?"
George shuddered at the memory. "I do. The morning reveille still drives me mad."
Edward chuckled. "Yes, it's not too pleasant, is it? I don't think we'll ever get used to it here, not completely at least. Though, we take it day by day. Tomorrow is a new day."
"Yes and I really hope it doesn't rain like it did today because I do not want to clean these boots again."
Edward couldn't help but laugh. George's humor certainly kept things lively around camp and he hoped his spirit wouldn't damper when their days got more and more difficult as the month went on.
"Terrible," Robert Crawley sighed as he folded the newspaper onto the table during his Saturday morning breakfast.
Tom Branson entered the room and made his way to the table to join Robert, Bertie, and Henry. "Good morning," he smiled as he took his seat.
"What a morning, Tom. Have you seen this morning's paper?"
Tom shook his head softly. "No, Robert, why?" He saw the newspaper folded neatly in the middle of the table and took it, opening it up to the front page.
"The Germans torpedoed one of our battleships," Henry began, "they say there may be over 800 lives lost. Dreadful."
Tom's read through the news quickly and he frowned. "How horrifying. Those poor men. It's terrible what's happening. I think this is going to make a lot of people afraid to travel on ships now too, or anywhere for that matter."
Bertie nodded in agreement. "Yes, most likely. That's why, Tom, you must remain here with us. You can't return to Massachusetts anytime soon, the risk is far too great."
Tom set the newspaper down and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Actually, I may be going back… And very soon."
Robert almost choked on his coffee. "What in God's name, Tom? I hope I didn't hear you correctly. Did you say you were going to return to Massachusetts?"
"Tom, you can't be serious," Henry said sternly.
Tom knew this news would not be taken too well. "These past few weeks have me thinking, I have no idea when I'll be returning to the United States with Sybbie. Our home has been left unattended for almost two months now. Sybil and I have more clothes and possessions there that we may possibly need here. Do not forget that I have my own business, as well. It's my duty to oversee that all is going well and that the shop is running smoothly without my presence there. I need to make sure my workers continue to work to my standard or else Sybbie and I lose everything. I need to go back and I won't be gone long."
Bertie rubbed his eyes as though he were trying to rid himself of exhaustion. "Don't you have friends there that keep in contact with you about how things are going, though?" He asked.
"It's not the same, Bertie. I need to be there at least for one week. I'm not asking for permission either. I'm a grown man and I'm thinking about the future and my daughter."
"Who will be filled with immense worry for you," Robert muttered. He rubbed his temples before taking another sip of his coffee. "Don't be daft, Tom, you know how close you and Sybbie are and how anxious she would be about this."
Tom sighed and crossed his arms. "She'll have to understand. I haven't made definite travel plans yet but I do plan on making the journey back for one week. Nothing will happen. People travel to and from England constantly."
"Remember the Lusitania?" Robert asked. "It's not always safe, Tom, and now the Germans are being more aggressive than ever."
Tom ignored his comment. "I'm going and I'll be safe. Please, let's not focus on the dangers of it. It's better that I go now rather than later. A month, even a week, can make a difference in decisions like this. The Germans are moving quickly, yes, but we can't let their actions stop us from living a normal life."
Henry set his cup of coffee down and stared directly at Tom. "God help you with your decision then, Tom."
"Thank you. He always helps me, Henry."
"Not in guiding you to make wise decisions, I'm afraid," Robert said quietly into his coffee. Tom, once again, ignored his comment and began to eat breakfast.
"Let's not let this spoil our morning," Bertie said warily. "We're family and should be supportive of one another. We are lucky the ladies aren't here to hear this or else they would have quite choice words for you, Tom."
After Bertie spoke, his daughter entered the room with a smile on her face. She was wearing a pink day dress and her light brown hair was in a neat updo held together by a pink ribbon. "Good morning, Papa, Uncle Henry, Uncle Tom, and Donk," she greeted as she walked over the table. She leaned over to her father and kissed his cheek.
"Good morning, my beautiful Marigold," her father smiled. "You look like you're ready to go somewhere."
"Yes, where?" Robert asked.
Marigold blushed. "Somewhere."
Bertie raised a brow at his daughter. "Ah, I think I know where. You don't have to say."
Robert huffed. "Bah, my grandchildren like to be very secretive with me."
Tom smirked and ate his breakfast quietly. How would he ever tell Sybil about him returning to their home? He knew she wouldn't want him to go. He could wait to tell her during his visit with her on Sunday, but he knew that telling her in person would be much too difficult, though it shouldn't be. He knew all would be fine, but what worried him was only the matter of convincing everyone, including Sybil, that it would be fine, as well.
"Well, I'll go get Mother," Marigold announced. "I'll see you later today, Papa."
"I'll see you later, darling," her father smiled.
As soon as she left, Robert began with his questions. "Why the secrecy? Why is she all dressed up? Why doesn't anyone tell me anything anymore?"
"Because you react like this," Tom chuckled. "I just told you news of me wanting to leave you and choked on your coffee."
Bertie repressed a laugh. "She's going to Milton's farm."
Robert looked dumbfounded. "Milton's farm? Why? Has she a sudden interest in agriculture?"
"No, but she is friends with Mr. Milton's son, Lewis. She's going by to visit him today."
Again, Robert almost choked on his coffee. After clearing his throat, he stood from his seat, newspaper in hand. "You men really have no control over anything, especially your children, do you? One of them is off in a busy city and fawning after that Trent boy, who I still don't know much about, the other is in a camp where he doesn't belong, and the one here is going to spend her day with a farmer's boy? What is this household coming to?" He began to leave the table, shaking his head as he walked. "I am either getting too old or this world is changing much too fast. Lord, help me in 1940. What'll it be next?"
When Robert left the room, Tom, Henry, and Bertie all laughed. They were sure to not laugh too heartily so that they wouldn't be heard from Robert outside the room.
"Oh, dear," Bertie chuckled as he drank his coffee.
"I think Robert is simply frustrated by the fact that his grandchildren are growing up," Tom smiled. "It's a bittersweet thing."
"It truly is," Henry sighed. "I hope the children are all right out there, though. Sybil and George, especially. I always wonder what George is up to. Is he doing drills? Is he unhappy? I don't know."
"Well," Bertie began, "from his letters, he doesn't seem unhappy. Sybil seems happy, as well. They miss home, that's all."
Tom nodded. "And home misses them."
That afternoon, Marigold merrily made her way down the dirt path to Milton Farms from the car Mr. Crewe had brought her in. Her mother and father had allowed her to spend some time with Lewis since Marigold had expressed she was feeling terribly lonely and they knew that much needed time with someone her age would do her some good. Marigold had been looking forward to this day all week and now the day had arrived.
As she walked down the path, she noticed Lewis right away, carrying a bucket of water on the side of a shed. She quickly skipped over to him.
"Lewis!" She waved as she went to him.
Lewis looked up from the bucket and was surprised to see Marigold. He smiled and set the bucket down to greet her. "Marigold!" He waved back. "What a surprise!"
"I decided to pay you a visit," she smiled, stopping near him. "I hope you're not too busy."
"No," Lewis said, picking the bucket back up. "I'm only going to put this in the trough for the piglets. Would you like to join me? We have to keep them in the barn since the weather is changing."
"I'd love too! Yes, let's go," Marigold sang and followed him over to the barn. She squealed softly at the sight of the small piglets. "They're adorable. They're much bigger than when I saw them at the fair."
Lewis nodded as he filled the trough. "Oh, yes, they've grown quite a bit."
"May I hold one?" Marigold asked as she leaned forward into the pen.
"But you're wearing such a pretty dress, Marigold," Lewis laughed. "Aren't you afraid it may get dirty?"
Marigold shook her head and picked up one of the piglets. "Oh, I don't mind," she said, cooing at the piglet she held. "How are you, Lewis? How is your family?"
"We're all doing well," Lewis said, placing his hands on his hips. "How is your family? We heard that Lady Mary's son left for camp."
"Yes, he left last month. My other cousin, Sybil, is in London training to be a nurse."
"And you're here still," Lewis said. "That's good, isn't it?"
"Well," Marigold sighed as she placed the piglet gently back into the pen. "I'm quite lonely, really."
Lewis frowned and tousled his red hair. "I'm sorry, Marigold. Well, you know you can always find company here with me."
Marigold blushed and looked around the barn. "I'm grateful for that."
"Shall we go for a walk?"
"A walk sounds lovely."
Marigold wasn't sure how much time had passed during hers and Lewis' walk together, but she enjoyed every moment of it. They walked around the entire farm and spoke about so much. She told him about the stories she was writing and he listened with great interest. In turn, she listened with great interest when Lewis told her all about his day-to-day life on the farm and how much he loved it, despite it being such hard work. After walking for some time, the two decided to take a short rest. Together, they sat on the farm's wooden fence and watched the dark clouds slowly begin to gather before them.
"It's going to rain soon," Lewis said quietly.
"I'll have to leave when it does. My family will be worried about me," Marigold sighed. She then looked over at Lewis. "Lewis, may I ask you something?"
"'Course," Lewis smiled. "Have at it."
"Are you interested in going off to train, as well?"
Lewis was caught by surprise by the question and he had to think for a few moments before answering her. "I think," he began, "I would have to, wouldn't I? I'm sixteen but if the war is still going on in a few years, I may just have to go whether it be by my own choice or not."
A frown appeared on Marigold's face, but she kept her cheerful demeanor. "But you wouldn't want to if you had the choice, correct?"
"I don't think so. If I have to, I can't say no. May I ask why you're asking me this?"
Marigold lightly shrugged her shoulders. "I'll miss you, that's all."
Her words made Lewis smile and he glanced at her, his pinky finger intertwining with her own. "Well, you don't have to worry then. Let's promise each other that we'll stay out of this war as long as possible, alright? I'll start."
Marigold giggled as Lewis hopped off the fence and stood before her. He cleared his throat and held up one hand; as he did, the distant sound of thunder could be heard.
"I, Lewis Milton, promise to stay in Downton as long as possible and away from this war."
Marigold remained on the fence and also held her hand up. She had to suppress her own laughter before she spoke. "And, I, Marigold Pelham, promise to also stay in Downton for as long as possible and to stay as far away from this war as possible."
Lewis clapped. "Here, here! These promises shall be kept."
Marigold laughed and stared at him and soon, he was staring at her. As their eyes met, a light rain began to fall softly but it didn't phase either one of them. Lewis, without thinking, took a step closer to Marigold. Marigold's heartbeat quickened. She had never been this close to a boy before and it both made her nervous as well as excited. In her daze, however, Marigold realized that it was raining and Mr. Crewe was most likely waiting for her to return to the car. Before Lewis could say anything to her and not wanting to let this moment escape her, Marigold closed her eyes, leaned forward and kissed him. Lewis' eyes widened in surprise from the kiss but then, he closed his eyes, as well. Marigold pulled away quickly and she was blushing madly from the short kiss they had shared.
"I must go!" She said, hopping off the fence.
Lewis, standing in the same spot with a goofy smile on his face, watched her and wave. From where she was, Marigold could see that he was blushing as well.
"Goodbye, Lewis! Perhaps I'll visit again soon!"
"I look forward to it, Marigold!" Lewis called out, his smile still present.
With that, Marigold ran across the grass to the dirt path. She let out a small yelp as she felt herself walking in the wet dirt, already turned to mud. Mr. Crewe was waiting for her outside of the car and immediately opened the door for her as she neared.
"Thank you, Mr. Crewe!" She said as she went into the car, muddying the floor of it.
"Anytime, Miss Marigold."
As Mr. Crewe drove back to Downton Abbey, Marigold sat in the backseat of the car with a smile on her face. She had just had her first kiss with the boy she has a crush on. She had been bold but she had seen it done many times in the movies that she couldn't help herself. Now she knew how Sybil felt, or at least, she thought she was beginning to. Whatever she was feeling, it made her feel beyond giddy.
When Marigold entered Downton Abbey, she was sent straight to a bath by her mother, who, upon looking at Marigold's muddied state, was worried about her health. Her mother could also see how happy Marigold seemed and she knew right away that perhaps she and Lewis had shared a kiss or two, however she did not say anything about it. Without any hesitation, Marigold hopped her way up the stairs, unfortunately leaving behind muddy shoe prints as she did so. She would not speak a word of this to anyone, except for perhaps Sybil when she had the chance. It had been a happy day and Marigold hoped that there were many more happy days to come.
