A/N: Anyone else see the ITV Dramas promo that came out after the Olympics? OMG that kiss between Sybil and Tom! So excited for S3!

Thanks everyone for all the reviews, etc., since the last chapter was posted. As always, all of it is greatly appreciated. I value every single one. Thanks to those who reviewed for the first time. I hope that you choose to review again.

I forgot to mention in the A/N in the last chapter to Irish fan that the mention of Cork was indeed based on Violet's comment at the end of 2x08. I wanted Tom to be distantly related to those Bransons. Good catch!

I should mention that in an effort to tie up a number of loose ends, this has turned out to be the longest chapter of the story. I hope you don't mind.

I want to thank my wonderful betas: Tripp3235, mswainwright and _livingfree (on Twitter) (in absentia for the remainder of the story due to school work). Without these wonderful people, who listen to me gripe and have the patience to slog through chapter after chapter despite their busy lives, the quality of every aspect of this story would be much poorer indeed! :)

To provide a time reference for the weekly readers, we pick up in this chapter the morning of Mon. June 2, 1919.

Disclaimer: Not mine. All Downton Abbey characters belong to Julian Fellowes and ITV. I'm just playing with them.

Chapter 39

The following morning, Tom arrived a little earlier for breakfast in order to spend more time with Sybil. When they left the flat to walk to his office, Tom closed the door behind them and held out his other arm for her to take.

Tom turned to look at Sybil as they descended the stairs. "Since you will be moving your things over to the hotel just after tea time tomorrow, I'm going to take work home tonight so that I can spend your last dinner at Ma's with you. I should be home by quarter after five, you can show me all the items that were delivered today and we can walk to Ma's together."

"I'd like that," said Sybil, smiling. "I'll be sure to have everything in place by then. Are you sure you don't mind my taking your things from the valise and putting them away?"

Tom stopped them near the door to the building and pulled them to one side. "We will be married in three days time. What is mine will be legally ours then. Would you object to putting our things away?"

"When you phrase it that way, no," said Sybil, blushing. "It just seems rather intimate to be unpacking your bag."

"Good," said Tom, smiling. "I just think it a little peculiar that you want to get married, you want me to love you, but you have concerns about handling my personal items."

Sybil looked up at him. "I'm a very private person. I didn't even like it when new servants handled my things."

"That's all right." Tom held out his arm for her. "Shall we get going?"

"Yes." Sybil took his arm and they continued on to his work.


After walking Tom to the office, Sybil headed to the flat to sweep up and ensure that there was room for the furniture and crates being delivered. The night before Tom had taken her larger suitcase of things she would not require before the wedding.

At approximately eleven o'clock, there was a knock on the door. Sybil put down the broom in the bedroom. "Coming."

When Sybil opened the door, the man on the other side said, "Hello miss! Delivery from the Gladstone Hotel." Beside him were three crates on a hand truck and behind him was another man holding what appeared to be a coffee table.

"Why is there a coffee table?" asked Sybil, craning her neck to look around the delivery man in front of her. Mary and Edith didn't mention anything about furniture.

"It's what was asked to be delivered here." The man checked his manifest. "You are Miss Sybil Crawley and this is 254 Drake Street, Flat 3D, right?"

"Yes," said Sybil, puzzled. Not wanting to keep the men waiting on the landing, she quickly moved aside. "Do come in."

The delivery man who had knocked on the door walked in the door and handed a clipboard to Sybil. "I'll need you to sign at the bottom that you've received the items." He then went back to the landing to wheel the crates into the flat, followed by the man carrying the coffee table.

Looking down the manifest, it did look like the coffee table had been part of the delivery and Mary's signature was there, just above where Sybil was to sign. "It also says here that there are two note cards and a linen closet."

The delivery man reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out two cards. "Yes, of course, here are the cards." He handed them to Sybil. "The linen closet is coming last. Where would you like the crates and the table?"

Sybil looked up, took the cards from him and pointed. "The crates can go beside the table over there and the coffee table can go in front of the fireplace. Oh, and can you lift up the tops of the crates for me please?"

"Of course, Miss." The delivery man took the pry bar from his belt and proceeded to pry the crates open carefully.

"Thank you." She opened the card with Edith's handwriting on it.

Dear Sybil,

I'm glad that you were able to show us your flat. When we saw this lovely coffee table when we were out on Saturday, I knew that I had found the perfect wedding gift for you and Tom. I hope that you like it.

Your loving sister,
Edith

"Miss, where should the linen closet go?" asked the delivery man. In the time Sybil opened the note and read it twice, the men had already gone back to the truck and brought up the oak linen closet.

Sybil looked up and thought quickly. "Place it on that wall midway between the doors, please." It was pretty enough for the living room and having it halfway between the bathroom and bedroom made sense. It wouldn't be too far from the kitchen either.

Going to the worktable where she left her pocketbook, Sybil put down the note cards, took out sixpence for the tip and signed the manifest. She then handed the delivery man his clipboard and put the sixpence into his hand. "Thank you very much. Please share this with your partner for a job well done."

The other man who lifted both pieces of furniture tipped his hat at her. "Thank you, Miss."

The delivery man took the clipboard and money. "Thank you. Have a good day, Miss!"

Closing the door behind her, Sybil locked it before picking up the other card. The words at the front of the card were in Mary's handwriting. When she opened it, inside was another card and a note.

Sybil,

Mama asked me to purchase a significant gift for your nuptials with Mr. Branson. When Edith and I went shopping on Saturday afternoon, we came across the coffee table and the linen closet, which we both thought would be of use for your flat. Please find the card from Mama and Papa inside the envelope.

Mary

Putting down Mary's note, Sybil cautiously opened the card from her parents, which also contained another note card inside along with a cheque. It was like opening the Russian dolls that a family friend had brought back for her and her sisters when they were young.

My darling Sybil,

We hope that you like the wedding gift from your parents. We are so sorry that we are unable to attend your wedding. I hope that we'll see you again in the near future. Please find enclosed your grandmama's card and the cheque she sent.

Your loving Mama and Papa

Knowing that her mother did not purchase the gift and that her father didn't care to attend her wedding, receiving this note was too much, Sybil started to tear up. She put the cards and other items on the table and stumbled to her pocketbook for a handkerchief. When her handkerchief didn't stem the tide of tears, she walked into the bedroom, curled up in bed and promptly cried until she fell asleep.

When she woke up, she didn't know what time it was and since the nightstands hadn't arrived, Tom had placed the alarm clock they had received as a wedding gift on the fireplace mantel. Feeling a little better after her nap, she quickly went to look at the time. Fortunately she did not sleep too long and it was only nearly noon. The bedroom deliveries were scheduled for one o'clock in the afternoon, so she still had an hour to get herself and the bedroom in shape as well as unpack the crates and clean up.

After quickly fixing her hair, she started to unpack the first crate. It was the dishes from Aunt Rosamund. Taking the first plate out, Sybil noticed that it was Wedgwood china. It was a glazed design with pink flowers, leaves and the occasional strawberry across the pieces. It was a surprising choice for Aunt Rosamund who was known to purchase extravagant items that had no practical value. This set would go nicely in their Welsh dresser and wouldn't seem too opulent for their home. It took Sybil nearly twenty minutes to unpack all twelve place settings and the accompanying pieces and place them in the Welsh dresser. They would have to wash the pieces before they could use it the first time, but at least it was one crate down.

The next crate contained a small Chinese vase and a few other gifts. That was when Sybil remembered the card and the cheque from her grandmother. She carefully placed the vase on the fireplace mantle next to the clock, which would be moving into the bedroom once the nightstands arrived. Then she went to the table where she had left her grandmother's card and cheque in her haste.

She was shocked to find the amount her grandmother had written on the cheque when she opened it, but then she remembered that Grandmama's money was in American dollars which were quite a bit less than the pound. After some quick mental calculations, Sybil concluded that it was still a greater amount than Granny had given them. She realized that she will need to talk to Tom about what to do with Grandmama's money. She opened the card.

Dear Sybil,

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials with Mr. Branson! I applaud you on your bravery in choosing your own path. Not everyone is brave enough to follow their heart. I married your Grandpapa for love and I never looked back. My mother didn't think much of your Grandpapa, either and look where it's got me.

I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend your wedding on such short notice. Would loved to have seen your Granny's reaction to the whole thing. However, I hope that least some of your family makes the effort.

Have faith in your Mr. Branson. From all that your Mama described to me, it sounds as though he will make something of himself yet. He's rather plucky isn't he? Look forward to meeting him in the future.

All my love,
Grandmama

Sybil only heard from her American grandmother occasionally, but this was still a surprising note from her. Normally, she wrote about her life in New York and asked Sybil if she was doing well in the activity that she wrote to her grandmother about in the previous letter. Not sure what to make of it, she put it with the cheque to show Tom when he returned home and continued with unpacking the crates.

In the same crate that contained the vase was the silverware that Mary and Sir Richard sent along. It came packed in a display box, so Sybil just transferred the whole thing into one of the shelves in the bottom cabinet of the Welsh dresser for the time being. The other items were some gifts from the staff at Downton. Mrs. Patmore and the kitchen staff sent measuring spoons and cups for every size possible. The Bates's gift was a pair of silver candlesticks that was promptly placed on the mantle with the vase. Mrs. Hughes, on behalf of the rest of the staff, sent a simple silver tea service that went nicely with the cups and saucers in Aunt Rosamund's set.

In the final crate, which was larger than the rest, was the crystal glassware that Mama's sisters sent. It comprised of a complete set of eight of every glass imaginable. There were white wine glasses, red wine glasses, dessert wine glasses, liquor glasses, and water glasses. When Sybil finished unpacking, nearly the entire worktable was covered with glassware. She was very glad that it was only a set of eight because she wasn't sure where she was going to put them if there were more. For now she put the glasses into the shelf with a door at the top of the Welsh dresser and they just fit.

Just as Sybil moved the empty crates into the second bedroom, there was a knock at the door. Sybil wiped her hands on her apron and answered the door.

"Delivery for Miss Crawley," said the man with a toothy grin. It was the same delivery team that brought the bed. "Good to see you again, Miss."

"Come in. Mr. Ryan, is it?" asked Sybil, smiling.

"Just call me Ryan, Miss." He walked in with a list for Sybil to view. "You'll need to take this bill and pay the remainder at the store at your earliest convenience."

Sybil scanned down the list and found a sofa there in. "I didn't order a sofa?"

"The boss said that it was included in this delivery and as you can see here, it's already paid for." Ryan pointed to a note on the bill. "I think there was something attached to it when we loaded it up. I'll make sure the boys bring everything when they bring the entire load."

"Thank you, Ryan." Sybil was puzzled. This was the second time today that something was being delivered that she wasn't expecting.

"Where does this go, Miss?" asked one of the other two delivery men bringing up the wardrobe.

"All except the sofa goes in that bedroom." Sybil pointed to the master bedroom. "The wardrobe should go near the upper left corner when you go in, facing the window. Leave about a foot between the side of the wardrobe and the wall." This would facilitate opening the door of the wardrobe.

Ryan came up with one of the nightstands.

"In that bedroom, one on each side of the bed." Sybil pointed to the master bedroom.

It took about an hour, but all the bedroom pieces were in place and installed. The sofa was brought up last. It was covered in a beige fabric that went well with the blue walls and placed in front of the fireplace behind the coffee table. As Ryan mentioned, there was a note tied to one of the legs of the sofa. Sybil decided to wait until the delivery men left before she looked at the note.

After the men gathered up all the packing materials, Ryan asked Sybil to sign his manifest accepting delivery. When Sybil handed it back to him along with a thruppence for each of them, Ryan asked, "We were wondering if we could have a biscuit each instead. They were so very good the last time."

Sybil immediately moved to the buscuit jar and opened it up. "Since you were so gentle with the furniture this time, I'll give you two biscuits on top of the tip." Cutting a piece of parchment for each of the men, she placed two biscuits onto each sheet and handed one to each man.

"Thank you, Miss," said each of the men as she handed them each his biscuits.

When they left, Sybil untied the note that was attached to one of the legs. "For Tom and Sybil" was scrawled on the front in an unfamiliar hand. Sybil opened the note.

Tom and Sybil,

Congratulations! We thought this sofa would be more comfortable than dining chairs for sitting in front of the fire.

Love,
Mairin and Kevin, Ciaran and Aileen, Niamh, Cathleen, and Connor

P.S. This was Cathleen's idea.

This time Sybil's eyes welled up with tears for an entirely different reason. She was so moved by the gift from Tom's siblings that she couldn't help but cry. It was the remaining item that truly made their house a home. Pulling the handkerchief out of her pocket, she dabbed at her eyes.

Once she dried her eyes, Sybil quickly ate a late lunch before proceeding to wash all the dishes, cutlery and glasses, and put them away properly. She then put all her linens in the new linen closet and unpacked her suitcase before unpacking Tom's. Just as she was hanging up his ties, she heard the door unlocking. After closing the door to the wardrobe, she hid both his valise and her suitcase under the bed and went to greet Tom.

"Just in time," said Sybil when Tom opened the door. Sybil approached him and kissed him on the cheek. Taking the papers he brought home and laying them on the worktable by the door, she asked, "How was your day?"

"More lovely now that I'm here," said Tom with a grin. Looking around, Tom's brows furrowed. "What is all this?" Tom pointed to the sofa, coffee table and linen closet that weren't in the living room when he left.

"Wedding gifts. The linen closet is from my parents and the coffee table is from Edith." Sybil led Tom by the hand to the new pieces of furniture in the living area.

"What about the sofa?"

"It's from your brothers and sisters." Sybil looked at him. "Did you want to sit down on it? I haven't done that yet. I thought I'd wait for you to come home to try it out."

Tom nodded and led Sybil to the sofa. The two of them sat down together on it and it was soft. Putting his arms around Sybil, Tom looked around and noticed the vase and the candlesticks now on the mantle.

Seeing where Tom was looking, Sybil said, "The vase is from Grandmama. She also sent a substantial cheque. The candlesticks are from Anna and Mr. Bates. If you're looking for the alarm clock, I put it on your nightstand."

Suddenly remembering that more than just living room furniture was delivered today, Tom stood up and walked into the bedroom with Sybil in tow. The bare bedroom with just a bed and curtains was transformed by the extra furniture. It now felt like a bedroom and likely the nicest bedroom he had ever slept in. Tom opened each door and drawer just to see what Sybil had put into it. He blushed when he got to his underwear drawer and her underwear drawer. Sybil was right, it was different when your love's intimate things were in a drawer in the bedroom you will be sharing with her when she became your wife.

After a few moments of silence to absorb all that had been unpacked in the bedroom, Sybil said quietly, "Would you care to see our new dishes, cutlery and glassware?"

"Yes," said Tom and Sybil led him to the Welsh dresser.

He had noticed the dishes on display when he came in, but was distracted by the new furniture that had arrived. "Did your aunt also give us a tea service?"

"No, that's from Mrs. Hughes, on behalf of the rest of the staff at Downton," said Sybil. "Mrs. Patmore and the kitchen staff sent measuring cups and spoons. Rather appropos don't you think?"

"Yes, quite," said Tom. He was rather awestruck by all the gifts. "I hope that I'm not too distracted by all of this tonight when I have to concentrate on my column for next week."

"You can always bring a candle into the second room and close the door." Sybil smiled at him. "I don't think empty packing crates will be that distracting."

"I suppose not," said Tom, returning her smile. "Shall we head to Ma's for supper?"

"Let me check my hair and get my pocketbook."

Soon thereafter, they were on their way.


Dinner was quite lively that night as everyone wanted to enjoy their final dinner with Sybil and Tom before the wedding. Sybil and Tom had thanked Cathleen and Connor for the sofa as soon as they walked in the door and Cathleen was grinning from ear to ear that they managed to surprise the soon-to-be wed. As Tom had to leave right after supper to work on his column, Cathleen and Connor offered to do the dishes so that Sybil could say goodnight.

As this was their last chance for a little time alone together before the wedding, Tom led Sybil out of the flat into the corner by the door. The candle holder was finally replaced the previous week so it wasn't as dark as it was before, but it still afforded them a little privacy.

Tom pulled Sybil into a hug. "I was so distracted by the new things in our home that I forgot to ask how your day went earlier."

"It was all right," Sybil laid her ear against his chest and listened to the beating of his heart. "I did cry twice, but only once was because my parents aren't attending our wedding. The other time was tears of happiness at the sofa. I was overwhelmed by the gift from your brothers and sisters."

"Cathleen did manage to surprise us." Tom kissed her hair and caressed her arm. "I'm sorry that your parents upset you again. Promise me to focus on the happy times. If you're going to cry at our wedding, I'm hoping it's because of how dashing I will look at the front of the church."

Sybil chuckled and lifted her head to look at him. "I promise."

Tom leaned in to give her a kiss. Knowing that they could be seen, Tom kept it as short as possible. "The next time I kiss you like this will be when we are man and wife."

"I cannot wait," said Sybil, gazing into his eyes.

Tom swallowed when he realized the next thing he had to say. "I'm sorry but I have to go." He caressed her cheek. "I want to get the first draft to the managing editor in the morning so that I can revise everything before I leave on Thursday. Then we'll have until next Tuesday morning to ourselves."

"I love you, Tom."

Tom took Sybil's hand into his. "I love you, too. Sleep well and I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night."

Tom gave her a quick kiss and then he went on his way.


The following morning, Sybil walked Tom to work one last time from Mrs. Branson's.

As they turned down Shannon Street, Tom looked over at Sybil who held his arm. "Do you know what the plans are when you're staying with your sisters?"

"No, but we'll likely visit St. Patrick's and do some shopping," said Sybil. "I just want to spend time with my sisters while they are here. I will likely miss them terribly once they are gone."

Tom grinned. "I hope that there will be other things to distract you."

"I'm sure there will be." Sybil blushed and ducked her head.

"Here we are." Tom stopped them in front of the doors of the office. "Did you want to come in and say hello to Miss O'Donnell?"

"I'd better not this time," said Sybil. "I have to pick up Brigid on my way back for the dress fitting."

"I can't believe I won't see you again before the wedding." Tom's voice suddenly hoarse with emotion.

"It's just two more days," said Sybil, grinning. "I'll miss you."

"Not as much as I'll miss you." Tom caressed her hand.

"I better let you go." Sybil leaned in and kissed Tom on the cheek.

Tom squeezed her hand one last time. "See you on Thursday."

"Until Thursday." Sybil let go of Tom's hand and started walking in the direction of Mairin's.

Tom watched Sybil go until he could no longer see her and then walked into the office.


When Sybil, Brigid and Mrs. Branson arrived at Madame White's, Mary and Edith had not yet arrived. Once they entered the store, Sybil approached the counter.

"We have an appointment with Madame White at ten o'clock. The Crawley party."

The woman behind the counter looked at the appointment book. "Come this way. Madame White is expecting you."

Sybil and the others were taken to a fitting room in the back where they were seated. The woman then looked at the two women. "Would you care for a cup of tea?"

"That would be lovely," said Sybil.

"Yes, please," said Mrs. Branson. "Can we also have a glass of milk for the little one?"

"Of course," said the woman and she disappeared behind one of the curtains.

Before the woman returned, Mary and Edith were shown into the fitting room.

Sybil rose to greet her sisters and Mrs. Branson followed suit once she could get Brigid off her lap.

"I'd like you to meet my granddaughter, Brigid," said Mrs. Branson, holding Brigid by the hand. "Brigid, these are Miss Sybil's sisters, Miss Mary and Miss Edith."

"Hullo!" Brigid smiled at the sisters. "I'm going to be a flower girl at Miss Sybil's wedding."

"Are you now?" said Edith, kneeling down to Brigid's height. "My sister and I are going to be bridesmaids. Do you like pretty dresses?"

Brigid nodded.

"Well, we're going to be trying the pretty dresses on soon."

At that moment, Madame White arrived with her assistant, Cara, in tow. "Good morning, ladies."

Sybil walked up to her. "Madame White, I believe you know my fiancé's mother?"

Madame White looked over her glasses at Mrs. Branson. "Rose Quinlan. I don't think I've seen you since before you married. How are you?"

"It's Branson, now," said Mrs. Branson. "I'm doing well. You've obviously done well for yourself, Madame White."

"You've known me as Caitlin since the 1880s, Rose." Madame White gestured with her hand. "None of this Madame White business with you. But before we go on, Cara, can you get the two ladies into their dresses while I deal with the little one?"

"Of course, Madame White." Cara set down the tea tray she was holding. "Ladies, please come this way and you can change into your dresses which are already in the change room. Mona and I can help you." Mary and Edith followed Cara.

"I understand, Rose, that this is your granddaughter." Madame White turned to Brigid.

"Yes, this is Brigid, my Mairin's eldest girl," said Mrs. Branson. "Brigid, this is Madame White, who made your pretty dress for you."

"Hullo!" Brigid looked up at Madame White. "Can I try it on?" Then remembering her manners, added, "Please?"

"Yes, of course, Miss Brigid. Come this way." Madame White led Mrs. Branson and Brigid to a change room.

Sybil made a cup of tea and took a drink while she waited.

Not long after Mary was helped onto the fitting platform in front of a full length mirror in the near full length dress. "What do you think, Sybil?" Mary looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"You look beautiful, Mary." Sybil got up to admire Mary in front of her and in the mirror, while Mona pinned the dress for the final fit. "This style suits you very well."

Madame White came out at this juncture with Brigid's dress. Putting it on the ring hanging from the ceiling, she looked at Mary critically. "Where is her headpiece?"

"Here it is, Madame." Another girl came up to Madame White with the headpiece.

"Thank you, Nessa." Madame then proceeded to pin it onto Mary's head. "Can you start pinning the dress six inches from the floor."

"Yes, Madame." Nessa then knelt and started pinning the hem of the dress.

Before long, Mary's fitting was complete and Madame White asked what Mrs. Branson thought.

"I think it's lovely," said Mrs. Branson. "I liked how you added some lace to the headdress for Miss Crawley."

"Thank you, Rose." said Madame White. "I thought it would add a little more elegance to it. Turning to Mary, she added, "Miss Crawley, you can change out of the dress now."

Mary left to change and Edith was led to the platform by Cara.

Sybil looked at Edith with a smile. "Oh Edith! You look splendid in that dress. It's quite flattering for your figure."

"I do look well, don't I?" Edith smiled shyly. "I suppose I should try this style more often."

"I think you should, too." Sybil smiled broader.

Cara started to pin the bodice, while Nessa pinned the hem six inches from the ground.

Madame White looked critically at Edith in the dress. "I think it might look better if we added a line of fine trim like this to the waistline to accentuate it." Madame White pulled out a small sample of trim from her pocket and handed it to Mrs. Branson. "What do you think, Rose?"

"I never considered that," said Mrs. Branson looking between Edith and the trim in her hand. "But she does have a lovely figure that should be highlighted."

"Do you have any objections, Miss Edith?" asked Madame White.

Edith was surprised at being addressed as Miss Edith, but recovered quickly. "No, not at all."

"Excellent." Madame White took out pencil and a small piece of paper and made a note on the paper. Mona came out with Mary's dress on a hanger at this juncture and Mary followed soon after. Madame White called out to her. "Mona, we'd like to add this lace to the waistline of Miss Edith's dress to accentuate."

"Yes, Madame." Mona took the paper and trim from Madame White after she hung Mary's dress on the ring with Brigid's dress.

Soon Cara and Nessa were finished and they escorted Edith from the platform to change out of the the clothes.

Madame White walked up to Mary. "The dresses will be ready on Thursday morning, Miss Crawley. Where should they be delivered?"

"The dresses for my sister and I should be delivered to the Gladstone Hotel." Mary looked at Brigid. "The dress for the little girl should be delivered to her home. I'm sure my sister, Sybil, can provide the address for you."

"Very well," said Madame White. "Did you want to take the wedding dress and the other bridesmaids dress now or should it be delivered later?"

"Send them with the dresses that you are making for my sister and I," said Mary. "That will save us from having to transport them back and forth."

"Of course," said Madame White. "How did you want to settle the account, Miss Crawley?"

"Please send the final bill to the hotel when you deliver the dresses on Thursday," said Mary. "We will pay before departing on Friday afternoon."

"Excellent." Madame White held out her hand. "It was a pleasure doing business with you."

Mary shook her hand. "Thank you very much."

As they walked to the front, Madame White asked, "Rose, Would you care to come for tea next week Tuesday? I'd like to discuss possibilities with you."

"I'd be delighted," said Mrs. Branson smiling. "Should I come at four or five o'clock?"

"Four would be lovely," said Madame White. "And bring your design portfolio with you."

"I will."

As they were heading out of the store, Madame White said to Sybil, "I hope you have a wonderful wedding."

"Thank you very much," said Sybil.

Once they were settled into their separate vehicles, Sybil spoke up. "Mrs. Branson, do you think Mairin would object if we picked up Brigid from her home on our way to the church on Thursday at half past three?"

"I don't think so. Why?" Mrs. Branson was holding onto Brigid tightly.

"I'd like the entire wedding party to arrive at the church together," said Sybil. "I've asked Mary already."

"Why don't we ask Mairin when we drop her off?" said Mrs. Branson.

"Good idea."


After they dropped off Brigid at home and got permission from Mairin to pick up Brigid Thursday afternoon, Sybil and Mrs. Branson arrived home and had a quick lunch before they went out food shopping together for the last time. First, they went to the bank and Sybil deposited the check from Grandmama and withdrew the money to pay out the remainder of the bedroom set. Then it was off to the furniture maker to pay the bill. After that they went food shopping.

As they walked between stalls at the market, Sybil said, "I'm going to miss this once Tom and I are married."

"And why should you?" asked Mrs. Branson. "You're welcome to shop with me after lunch any day you're free. You don't start work until September. I don't see why we couldn't shop together until then."

"Thank you for the offer," said Sybil, smiling. "I'd feel more comfortable the first few weeks of married life if I could still rely on your expertise on selecting food."

"I think you're doing just fine, but if it makes you feel better." Mrs. Branson looked over to the bakery. "I just need to get another loaf of bread for tomorrow and we're done."

When they returned to Mrs. Branson's flat, Sybil changed and put on one of Cathleen's spare aprons and packed the rest of her things in her suitcase and placed it by the door. She then helped Mrs. Branson with getting dinner ready even though she would not be eating this meal with them. Before long Connor returned from school and soon after Cathleen was home from work. Normally, Connor would spend his time before dinner doing homework, but as this was Sybil's last day at the flat, he helped prepare the meal rather than doing his homework.

As Sybil finished chopping the vegetables for the soup, there was a knock at the door. "It must be the driver."

"Leave the food and wash up, Cathleen and I can handle the rest," said Mrs. Branson, looking at the clock.

Sybil put down the knife and rinsed her hands in the sink before going to the door. After greeting the driver, she handed him her suitcase. "I'll be down shortly."

After pinning her hat on her head, she picking up her pocketbook and gloves. Giving the room she shared with Cathleen one last look around, she walked out of the bedroom. Mrs. Branson, Cathleen and Connor were all waiting to say goodbye.

Sybil blinked back a few tears as she walked up to them. tucking her gloves into a pocket, she surprised Mrs. Branson by hugging her. "Thank you so much for everything. I'm going to miss living here. I'll see you soon."

"I'll miss you, Sybil." Mrs. Branson's voice laced with emotion.

Next, she hugged Cathleen. "It's been wonderful to share a bedroom with you. You are the little sister I always wished I had. I'll come in the motor to collect you tomorrow evening."

"It's been wonderful having you here, Sybil." Cathleen sniffled.

Finally, she shook Connor's hand. "Thank you for putting up with me."

Connor surprised Sybil by pulling her into a hug. "Thank you for making Tom happy."

When Connor released her, Sybil smiled at her soon-to-be new family. "See you soon."

Sybil then walked out the flat door.

A/N2: I hope that the Martha (Grandmama) letter will sound like her. I essentially took descriptions of Martha that I read and added a dash of Shirley Maclaine. Hope it worked out.

For those impatient to get to the wedding, it will be in Chapter 41. :) While we're talking chapters, I should mention that there will only be 42 chapters to this story along with an epilogue. I've finished the first draft of the remaining chapters and am currently working on the epilogue. Once this story is done, I'm thinking of writing a few select scenes from Sybil and Tom's time in Dublin (as time allows) and posting it under my With Love From Dublin one-shot to make it into an anthology. Any particular scenes you'd like to see?

As always, please feel free to point out any typos and grammatical errors. Sometimes no matter how hard you or your betas look, these things get missed. Also, please feel free to point out cultural misnomers or anachronisms, I live in Canada and I know that our terms are often different than those in the UK and Ireland. As always, I'd love to hear what you think of this chapter good or bad, so please do review. :)

P.S. The china pattern from Aunt Rosamund was inspired by the Wedgwood Wild Strawberry design. Google Wedgwood wild strawberry to see what it looks like.