Final chapter :D This set 5 years later again, in the five years Sybil has had three children :)
Sybil is 30 and Mrs Carson is 61, hard to imagine tbh. Charlie – 7, Charlotte (Lottie) – 5, Grace – 3, Edward – 11 months
(Apologies if the timings are technically wrong for their ages)
Enjoy though, please take the time to review.o
Thirty
"Now don't go too far, I need to be able to see where you both are and make sure you look after Grace" she said as she took off the younger girls' hat and smoothed out her hair,
"Yes mama" the older girl gave her a quick peck on the cheek and grabbed her sisters hand and they skipped off,
"Keep an eye on them both Charlie now, have fun" Elsie tussled his scarlet hair and let him race off to catch up. He was quite tall for his age so easily caught them up, as he came up behind Lottie, he bent down and picked her up causing her to squeal in delight;
"I want up!" demanded Grace, laughing, Charlie put Lottie down and twirled Grace around instead.
The two women smiled at them from afar,
"He's quite the ladies' man, already" Sybil laughed, "are you alright with him there?" she nodded towards the infant lying in Elsie's arms,
"Yeah, he's fine" she smiled down at the boy, her finger filling his tiny hand as he gripped it tightly; she rocked him gently and looked up to find Sybil staring at her.
"What?"
"Oh nothing, you just look so natural, with him"
Elsie didn't reply but simply looked back down at him, this little boy, this tiny little boy – her fourth godchild and just a beautiful as the others.
"He's a beautiful wee boy"
"My little boy, the youngest"
"Little bit favouritistic are we?"
"A little, he's my only boy and the others are both daddies' girls. But he's my little boy" she reached over and stroked his foot, sticking out from underneath the blanket. "My little Edward" they both gazed at his face, his little perfect face, eyes tightly shut, a slight smile on his lips. The kind of face you couldn't help but smile at. They were broken from their gaze by more squealing from the hill, they looked up to see Charlie chasing the two girls between the trees.
"He's a good boy isn't he, responsible and mature, only seven but he looks after them brilliantly"
"He's been brought up well, taught a lot from his mother"
"How is Ethel?"
"Oh very well, she's getting married soon. He gets along with Charlie; he's taken quite a shine to boy."
"Does he know, about Major Bryant?"
"I'm not sure, I think she's been honest; Charlie's father is a soldier who died but she's just not told him the whole truth. I think it's easier anyway, she's not effectively lying to him and I'm glad she's settling down."
"So no more flirtatious behaviour?"
"I think that stopped when we… I, sacked her. I've helped her but gradually she's grown up of her own accord"
"Shame it took a child to spark it"
"Mmmm" she brushed a stray piece of hair from Edwards face, he stirred and opened his big blue eyes, staring right up into hers, he pouted and began to wriggle in her arm
"He'll want feeding" Elsie stated and lifted Edward back to Sybil, who smiled.
"You can just tell can you? Have you two got some sort of telepathic connection I don't know about?"
Elsie laughed, "The way he's now woken up, he's moving his mouth around and wriggling – meaning he wants feeding"
Sybil smiled and got out the little bottle of milk she'd packed; Edward opened his mouth eagerly and drank, his eyes fixated on his mother.
"Do you miss not having your own children?"
Elsie's head shot up at this change of topic, but she saw Sybil looking with genuine interest.
"Sometimes, but I have my god children to keep me busy"
"I suppose so, with your marriage and job, having four of them to look after occasionally must be enough work" she winked at her and turned her head to watch her daughters.
"I've always been good at multi-tasking. Did your mother mind that you named me god mother?" she frowned at Sybil, as flattered as she had been at finding she and Charles would be god parents to all the Branson children, she did already have Charlie as her god son and was worried at how the family would react to their housekeeper being god mother to their grandchildren.
"Not at all. She said you were a good choice, she knows how important you are to me, anyway, it had to be someone who wasn't already family and I knew you'd take care of them and they adore you!"
Elsie blushed; she never quite knew how she'd managed to become the best friend and confidant of Lady Sybil Crawley, simply starting as someone the girl would come to when she needed a cuddle. She'd gone from that to supporting the girl as she became the Lady she'd been destined to become, then having to help her choose the right path when it came to Branson – supporting her through everything. They then hadn't seen each other for years as Sybil appeared to live in exile from her family but they wrote to each other, they never failed to reply to one other. It was a comfort for Elsie, she felt that Sybil had been sent away, despite her reassuring everyone that she wanted to, Elsie liked to feel that Sybil hadn't been completely cut off from them. But as peace had finally been made she'd returned, with a little more than they'd all bargained for. Lady Grantham had made sure that Sybil was back at Downton during her ninth month of pregnancy and sure enough the baby was born within a week of her arrival. Elsie'd been there, she was reminded of thee night Lady Grantham had given birth to Sybil, Elsie'd held her hand, laid a cold flannel on her forehead and finally been the first person to hold Sybil as she arrived into the world.
Being there on the night of Lottie's birth had been a magical moment for Elsie, she had been the only servant there; Anna having left, O'Brien being tokophobic and none of the other maids experienced enough to help. So it had been down to Elsie to deliver little Lottie. This tiny little girl, her little head fitting in Elsie's palm, her entire body no longer that Elsie's arm, this tiny little human that would become one of the most special children she would ever know, Charlotte Elisabeth Branson - named for her. Sybil never told anyone else the real reason her eldest daughter was called Charlotte, simply that the name was very dear to her, which it was, but even more so for Elsie, a very special girl with a very special name.
The names of her children had always been very significant to Sybil, she was worried if people thought her reasons were a little extreme, but true to form she disregarded what everyone else thought and stuck to what she wanted. Charlotte had been her first choice for her daughter, her first toy being the doll that Elsie'd helped name all those years ago. When questioned by Elsie as to her choice, she countered by questioning her on why she loved the name; upon hearing it was the name Elsie always hoped to call her own daughter, she decided it was definite that she would call her that. They shortened it to Lottie when Grace could first talk, she couldn't say Charlotte so they'd all chosen Lottie. The middle name was the same, one that wasn't obvious as to why she'd choose it, simply a nice name to those unobservant but she knew why she'd chosen it. Elsie's full name. She knew Elsie'd never allow her to call her Elsie - it was far too obvious and she would feel comfortable let alone the family, so Elisabeth had been chosen. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl they'd both remarked. It hadn't taken long for her to become Elsie's favourite – much as Sybil had.
The second time, Sybil had stayed in Ireland to have Grace, naming the girl this as she was over joyed at how rewarding motherhood was. Upon the birth of Emma, Tom held her in his arms and commented that he was graced with another perfect daughter; this led to their decision that she would be called Grace Eleanor Branson.
Then finally Edward (Sybil's favourite though she didn't like to admit it,) her first son. He had been born in Yorkshire but having been born premature; the family were left in terrifying suspense as he was placed in hospital in a critical condition. A week of tension and fear, he survived and was introduced properly to the family, Edward Robert Branson.
Sometimes Sybil would lie in bed, Tom's thumb stroking her hand in his sleep. But she just thought of how things had changed and after everything they'd been through she wouldn't have it any other way. Her three children were a blessing to them and the as perfect as she could ever wish for.
"Aunt Elsie…" she looked down to see Grace tugging at her skirt, she'd been so distracted she hadn't even noticed her toddle up.
"Yes Grace?"
"Please can I sit on your lap?"
"Of course dear, are you alright?" she picked up the child effortlessly and sat her on her lap.
"Yes, but I'm tired. The other two run faster than me"
Elsie chuckled and pulled the girl close,
"You'll catch them up one day m'girl, don't worry"
"Mmmm" Grace mumbled against Elsie's coat, she looked down to see Grace's eyes closed and her gradually nodding off, Elsie smiled and glanced up at Sybil who was gently rocking Edward but watching Grace.
"She does tire easily, especially when she's been running about, she prefers to sit and be quiet – quite the Edith of the family" they both laughed and turned their attention back to Lottie and Charlie who were sitting under a tree talking and fiddling with the grass.
"Do you think they're just friends?"
"Sybil! They're seven and five! You surely can't be pairing them up already" She turned in shock but sighed in defeat when she saw Sybil laughing uncontrollably.
"I was joking. It's just sweet seeing them together; Charlie said she was his best friend and we all know what happens when you spend years very close to your best friend" she looked cunningly at Elsie who rolled her eyes.
"Give them fifteen years at least!"
As the evening dawned, they had to get back to prepare for dinner; they packed up their little picnic and began their walk back to Downton, Edward in Sybil's arms while Elsie held Grace. She glanced back to see Charlie and Lottie walking behind hand in hand, she nudged Sybil's shoulder and nodded her head in their direction, Sybil smiled;
"What did I tell you?" She winked.
As they reached Downton, they reached the point where they parted, the part Sybil always hated. She tried so hard to break the social divide between them and she'd done it successfully but the house caused the divide the rebuild itself – Elsie would have to go around to the back door, while Sybil would take the children through the front door.
Elsie put Grace down and kissed each of the children in turn before looking up at Sybil,
"I hate the way you have to go that way while I go through the front door!"
"Oh don't worry about that Sybil, it makes no difference"
"I makes a world of difference!" she snapped causing Elsie to blink a few times. "I'm sorry"
"S'alright. Now you girls need to go and get dressed for dinner" she smiled at the girls, who were now confused at the stern voices the women were using.
"Thank you Ma…Elsie. I've enjoyed today" she blushed slightly, though she wasn't embarrassed that she occasionally referred to Elsie as 'Mama', it certainly confused the children.
"It was my pleasure. Have a good evening." They smiled at each other and taking Charlie's hand in hers she made her way to the servant's back door.
"Did you enjoy today Charlie?"
"Yes, it was fun. I like playing with Lottie and Grace – especially Lottie." Elsie suppressed a giggle and bent to hold his hand.
"Well, maybe they can come along on the next time we have a day together. Would you like that?"
"Yes! Very much Aunt Elsie, thank you."
She opened the door to let Charlie go in first, Ethel was sat at the dining table talking to Daisy. She stood up upon seeing her son and went to him with open arms. Elsie smiled, Ethel really had turned her life around, now with a job, a fiancée and a bright and lovable son – she could no longer fault the girl, even Charles admitted that she was now doing exceptionally well compared to her old self.
"Thank you Mrs Carson. It's nice to have a day to relax occasionally" she winked at her and Elsie pouted,
"I'm sure(!)" she pretended to be offended but couldn't hide her smile. "Be off with you" she kissed her on the cheek and gave Charlie a hug.
That evening she lay with Charles in the bedroom they now shared; the family had given up one of their larger guest rooms so that the two could share a bed, they also had a couple of settee's and a desk. She lay with her back to Charles, fitting perfectly in his arms. Charles was perched on his elbow with his other arm draped over her waist, his hand gently stroking her wrist.
"What are you thinking my dear?" He tightened the grip on her waist, it worried him if she didn't speak for a while, it meant she was deep in thought.
She sighed, "just something Sybil said this afternoon – she said did I think Charlie and Lottie were just friends" she felt Charles laugh against her back "she was joking of course but I can't help thinking on it."
"My dear, you think things to death too often" he kissed her neck in an attempt to get her to focus on other things, "they're just children."
"I know but do you think that would ever work out? Ethel is to become middle class when she is married and Sybil doesn't care about the class system, she'll only care about Lottie's happiness."
"Do you think she would be happy?"
"With Charlie? Well… it's hard to tell but he's a very sweet and caring boy now – I suspect he'll grow up to be the perfect gentlemen. I've noticed he's already beginning to copy you."
"In what way?"
"Holding doors open, carrying things, fetching me cups of tea – he must have seen you doing it because now whenever he's here he does that."
"Well, we could use and extra footman…" this comment was rewarded with Elsie's elbow in his stomach. "Don't worry about it Elsie. You remember Jane? His Lordship tells me her son's married very well and is now working as an account with a rather large salary. Proving that all it takes is an intelligent mind and a mothers love to take you far." 'Just look how far I've come' he thought, he hadn't had the richest of upbringings but he now considered himself the luckiest man alive; a fulfilling job with a good salary, a roof over his head, fantastic meals every day, a more than comfortable bed and a wonderful woman lying against him. "Ethel will take good care of him anyway; you don't need to worry about him so much."
"I can't help it Charles. He's the closet thing I have to a son; I can't help but be concerned with his welfare"
They were silent for a moment before an age old question arose,
"Do you wish we'd had children Elsie?"
"Charles we've had this conversation so many times. Having children would have been nice but I would never trade what we have now and we wanted our jobs anyway. If we had been young enough to have children, would we have chosen that path anyway? Well, we've got godchildren to care for now."
"It is nice to be able to spend our days off with them. Give Ethel and Sybil, time to relax."
"And give us a heart attack"
"Oh they're not that bad Elsie, a little excitable but lovable all the same."
She hesitated for a while before replying, "we would have made such good parents," it sounded like she'd simply said it to herself, he sighed, it wasn't that she lied to him, but for the sake of their consciences, she never admitted that she really did regret not being a mother.
"I know darling" he leaned over and kissed her neck, "but sleep now, I can tell you're worn out."
And he was right, no sooner had he turned out the light but she had fallen fast asleep, remembering holding Edward earlier and how it had been to hold each of her godchildren when they were just infants.
Meanwhile, in a room not too far down the hall, Sybil had awoken at Edwards muffled cries, Tom hadn't stirred so she went over to the crib saw the boy had got himself tangled in his blanket and was trying to fight his way out of it with no success, no getting upset, she lifted him up.
"Eh eh, don't cry like that. Shhhh shhhh. You don't want to wake your daddy now do you, he's always grumpy when he's woken in the night, though I don't think he minds when it's you. He loves you so much Eddie, you don't even realise how much we love you." She closed her eyes and held his head against her cheek; he'd stopped crying and just made the occasional noise.
"You've caused so much fuss you have, more than either of your sisters. You've mended the rift between your daddy and mine, it's because of you my boy that everything's now sorted, I can't thank you enough" she laid a kiss on his cheek and continued to talk to him;
"Papa's not the only one you make smile, Elsie seems happier too, Charlotte'll always be her favourite but you, you make her smile differently, maybe it's because you're her godson but she's so much happier when she holds you, you can juts twitch your nose and you bring a smile to her face that I haven't seen before. I've seen her smile plenty of times, I never knew there could be a different smile but you've sparked it.
Everyone loves you, they seem to love you more than the girls, they love the girls beyond belief but you're their first grandson and only their third grandchild anyway – Mary and Matthew still haven't had one, so you're special, so very special."
Edward made a noise that sounded like a giggle and she smiled, sometimes it was like he could understand what she was saying. She stroked his back,
"One day, when you're taller than me and with a voice deeper than Charles's, I'll still cuddle you, maybe not like this but I still will, even when you've left and you have your own children, I'll still hold you like this. I'll always be here for you m'boy - always."
She finally laid him back in his crib, fast asleep, before returning to her own bed and once again holding Toms hand, as they did every night, to make sure the other was still there.
Cora held Edward as Sybil kissed her family goodbye, Tom shook Roberts hand and Sybil could tell by her father's expression that all really was solved, it had taken five years but it was certainly worth it – all it had taken was Edward and the two men had realised how silly they were to have issues with the other. Tom took Edward from Cora and kissed her on the cheek, going over to the car and placing Edward in the little cot that attached to the seat, Grace was already sitting in her car seat. Noticing that Lottie wasn't there, Tom looked around panicking but he looked over to see Elsie knelt down with a crying Lottie in her arms; she gave him a sad look and attempted to shhh the child.
"It won't be that long sweetheart; you'll be back soon enough"
"I...don't...want...to...go" she managed,
"I know you don't but you have to, mama still writes to me though so you can still talk to me and maybe your papa will let you use the phone sometime. It's not like you won't see me again" she smiled sympathetically at the girl and she seemed to stop crying, Charles crouched down and took her hand,
"C'mon lets go and get in the car darling, your papa's waiting for you" he led her over to the car and lifted her up into it while Sybil finally came over to Elsie.
"She gets very attached when she's here."
"She doesn't see you very often; I told you she adores you"
Elsie sighed and kissed her cheek,
"Goodbye my dear, I'll write to you as soon as I can."
"I'll be relying on it" she turned and allowed Charles to help her into the car. He came back to stand by Elsie, his hands behind his back but one of them secretly finding Elsie's, people knew they were married but they didn't like to make a public display if affections all that often. He could feel her hand tremble in his as they watched the car pull away, he looked down on her, as there were other people around she was keeping her composure but he could see through the housekeeper demeanour, he could see she didn't want to let Sybil or Charlotte go and she was actually very upset. But the last thing they saw was a little face looking through the back window waving at them as the car left the drive. The face, a replica of one they'd know twenty five years ago, the same features ad her mother. The face of that special little girl they called Charlotte.
Haha! I was so happy to find that the first car seat was invented in 1921 – made this work ;)
Anyway I hope you've enjoyed this story. Only have one now to update :p so I should get on with that.
Please take the time to review it :) I really really appreciate reviews!