A/N: Thank you for all the suggestions for With Love From Dublin, keep them coming! :)
Thanks also 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 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 Thurs. June 5, 1919.
Disclaimer: Not mine. All Downton Abbey characters belong to Julian Fellowes and ITV. I'm just playing with them.
Chapter 41
Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny and it was a good omen for the wedding. Sybil stretched when she awoke. Realizing that this was her wedding day, she smiled and looked at the clock on the nightstand. It was only half-past six. Still another ten and a half hours before the ceremony was to begin. She wondered how Tom was faring. He must be up by now. He normally arrived at his mother's by seven o'clock for breakfast and they usually left for his work by twenty to seven in order for Tom to be at his desk by eight.
After a little planning for the day, Sybil rang the bell for Anna. She would have her breakfast before starting her day. She didn't need to be dressed until after lunch, so she would take a bath then. Besides, their dresses weren't expected to be delivered until ten o'clock at the earliest.
Tom woke at dawn, despite retiring late, and couldn't fall back asleep. After trying for a half hour, he got up and took a cold bath. It was his wedding day after all and he should be clean. After dressing and making the bed, he carefully placed his Sunday suit on the bed, added clean socks, a clean shirt and the matching tie to the suit. By then, it was late enough for him to go to his mother's.
Breakfast at Mrs. Branson's was subdued since Cathleen and Sybil were at the hotel. After helping with the dishes, Tom headed to the office to get everything done by noon. He received the copyedits from the assistant editor about a half hour later and he diligently made the edits before submitting the final draft at a quarter to twelve. When he was cleaning up his desk, Mr. Connolly dropped by.
"Here are the keys, Mr. Branson," said Mr. Connolly. "She's a red 1914 Crossley 15 hp and I parked her out front."
"Thank you, Mr. Connolly." Tom took the keys and put them in his pocket.
"All the best for your wedding this afternoon, Mr. Branson." Mr. Connolly waved and left Tom's office.
"Thank you, sir," Tom called out.
When Tom arrived at his mother's a half hour later, she had a driving schedule for him and a sandwich to go. Looking at the schedule, he realized that the first item on the list was picking up some final items for decorating the church. Taking the sandwich with him, he went on his way to purchase the items before taking his mother to the church.
The dresses arrived at the hotel at half-past eleven. Sybil had gone to visit Cathleen in her room after her breakfast and they had been chatting in the living room area for some time before the other Crawley sisters had appeared around eleven o'clock.
Once the dresses were placed in each of their rooms, luncheon was served. It was a simple meal with two courses and Cathleen remembered to follow Sybil's example when it came to cutlery. Luncheon was pleasant enough since Cathleen asked Sybil's sisters to tell her some stories about Sybil when she was younger and they obliged by telling Cathleen about the time Sybil went to rescue a cat and ended up being stuck in a tree and and the time when Sybil hid a family of voles in the nursery because she wanted them as pets, only to be discovered by a housemaid the next morning.
After luncheon, everyone retreated into their own room for a bath before they were to be dressed for the ceremony. Cathleen was first as the junior bridesmaid, followed by Edith, Mary and finally, Sybil as the bride.
When Tom dropped his mother and the decorations off at the church, he headed to the railway station to pick up Niamh. It had been over six years since he last saw her. She had come into Dublin on her half-day to see him off to Yorkshire then. She was the sibling that was closest in age and they played together more than he did with any of his other siblings growing up. When they were young, she would tell people that she was two years older than him and he would correct her by saying that she was two years minus a month because that month was just so important to him then.
He stood on the platform when the train from Athlone rolled in. Looking at the third-class coaches, he looked around for a bit before he spotted her blond head with her hair in a neat bun and she waved to him from one of the windows. He waved back and walked to where he expected her coach to stop.
Once the train stopped, Niamh opened the door to the coach, stepped onto the platform and gave Tom a big hug. She was about Sybil's height and dressed in cerulean blue that brought the blue out of her eyes. She looked a lot like Mairin did before she married Kevin.
"So wonderful to see you, Tom," said Niamh, grinning from ear to ear. "I can't believe my little brother is getting married today."
"Good to see you, too, Niamh." Tom held out an arm for her. "I'm not so little anymore."
Niamh took his arm. "No matter how tall you get, Tom, you'll always be my little brother. So you brought an English lady back from Yorkshire with you. Couldn't find an Irish girl who wanted to marry you?"
"I'll have you know Sybil is the most wonderful girl," said Tom, proudly.
"I was only teasing," said Niamh, laughing. "I've heard enough from Ma about your Sybil already. Is Aileen jealous of her yet?"
Tom grinned at the thought. "Like you wouldn't believe."
Niamh rolled her eyes. "So, are you enjoying your new job? Even Athlone gets The Dublin Times now."
"Very much," said Tom, helping Niamh into the car. "Never knew I had it in me to be a journalist, but Sybil had faith and pushed me to look for a position. I owe my new career to her. How is it going with the Dillons?"
"They keep me busy," said Niamh, getting settled. "But I'm eyeing a few housekeeper positions if they don't give it to me when Mrs. Gallagher retires in the next year. I'm doing most of her job already."
"You wouldn't throw over the Dillons, would you?" asked Tom, knowing very well that Niamh would never do that. Tom started the car and drove off.
"Of course I would, if I don't get what I want." Niamh winked at him. "Where are we heading first?"
Tom consulted the list once he merged into traffic. "Looks like we're stopping at Mairin's before swinging over to Connor's school."
"Tell me about your bride," asked Niamh, grinning. "I want to know the things that Ma won't tell me."
Once Sybil was done her bath just after half-past two, she put on the chemise and knickers her mother sent and then added the corset she only wore when there was someone to dress and undress her. Looking out the window, she wondered what Tom was doing, no doubt starting to pick up various members of his family. She then found her garters and white hosiery. After putting on the garters, she put the hosiery on, fastening them onto the garters. Before long, Anna came in and tied her corset as tight as possible.
When the corset was tied, the underskirt went on, followed by the dress. Anna diligently buttoned all fifty-two of the buttons, while Sybil put on the pearls from Granny. Anna then spent the next half hour brushing and pinning Sybil's hair until every piece was in place. While Anna was styling her hair, Cathleen, already dressed for the past hour, came in to watch Sybil get ready. Cathleen had her hair in a new fashion.
"You look beautiful, Sybil," said Cathleen. "Like a princess in a fairy story."
"Thank you, Cathleen." Sybil smiled. "You're looking very nice as well."
"That's Anna's doing," said Cathleen. "She suggested I wear my hair this way."
"Well, it suits you," said Sybil, smiling at Cathleen through the mirror.
Once Anna was done with Sybil's hair, the mob cap was pinned on. Sybil was in the middle of putting on her shoes when Edith came in.
"Oh, Sybil," said Edith. "You look darling."
"Thank you, Edith," said Sybil, sliding her second shoe on. "You're looking very fine yourself."
"Do you have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?" asked Edith, rhyming off the requirements on the bride at her wedding.
Sybil thought for a moment. "Well, Granny's pearls are something old. Something new is my wedding dress. Something borrowed is my veil. It's Mrs. Branson's. And-"
"And we sewed some blue ribbon into the hem of the dress." Cathleen offered. "That's the something blue."
"Excellent," said Edith. "You're all set."
Anna was about to put the veil on when Mary came into the room followed by the other housemaid with the flowers for the bride and bridesmaids.
"The flowers have arrived," said Mary.
Sybil turned to her sister. "I thought I asked them to deliver the flowers to the church."
"You did," said Mary. "But I paid them to deliver the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids bouquets and the flower girl's flowers here instead, since when we arrive at the church we should be seen with them."
"Thank you for thinking of that, Mary," said Sybil, smiling.
"That's what elder sisters do," said Mary, returning the smile. "Here is yours."
Sybil smelled the bouquet of buttercups, lilacs, violets and irises before laying it down on the dressing table, while Anna draped the veil over Sybil's head and pinned it to the mob cap. While Anna was working on the veil, the other housemaid, finished packing Sybil's suitcase that Anna started when Sybil was in the bath and Sybil put on her long white gloves.
Once Anna was done, Sybil stood up and with Edith's help, she walked over to the full length mirror to have a look at her wedding clothes. Sybil, suddenly nervous, looked at Mary, Edith and Cathleen for reassurance. It was Anna who spoke up.
"You look every inch a bride, Lady Sybil." Anna smiled at her through the mirror. "I think you're very brave."
Sybil turned to Anna. "Thank you so much, Anna, for helping me get ready. You will be attending the wedding, yes?" Sybil had asked her to come the first morning she was here, but Anna had not given a response at the time.
Anna looked at Edith and Mary, who looked to be encouraging her. "Yes, I will attend,"
"That's wonderful!" said Sybil. "How long will it take for you to change?"
"It won't be ten minutes, Lady Sybil."
Mary spoke up at this juncture. "Let me order the car and we can meet you downstairs."
"Yes, Lady Mary." Anna then exited the room with Mary following closely behind.
Edith looked at Sybil. "Shall we walk to the drawing room to wait for the car?"
Sybil picked up her bouquet and nodded. Edith and Cathleen gathered their bouquets and the train behind Sybil, and they walked slowly to the drawing room.
Soon the bridal party was in the car and heading to Mairin's.
As they approached Mairin's building, Cathleen squealed. "We need to cover Sybil, there's Tom and Niamh across the street. I'll go get Brigid."
Looking over to where Cathleen was pointing, Mary, Edith and Anna could see the former Downton Abbey chauffeur getting out of a car with a young woman. The women scrambled to find anything to cover Sybil up, but they only had their wedding attire. It was a comic act of near epic proportions until eventually the chauffeur offered up his newspapers and they were able to block Sybil from outside view.
Cathleen then ran into the building and retrieved Brigid, who liked Auntie Cathleen very much and they ran into Tom and Niamh walking into the building.
"Niamh!" Cathleen shouted. "So good to see you."
Niamh pulled Cathleen into a hug. "Fancy running into you here."
"Uncle Tom, Auntie Niamh," said Brigid.
"Hello Brigid!" said Niamh, kneeling down and pulling her niece niece in for a hug.
"I'm here to get Brigid," said Cathleen. "What are you two doing here?"
"To get Conall and Emmet," said Tom. "So Sybil is outside?" Tom leaned to see if he could get a quick look.
"Yes, but you aren't going to get a glimpse, Tom." Cathleen had her hands on her hips to emphasize the statement.
"Sorry, Tom, but I'm going to have to agree with Cathleen on this one," said Niamh, moving to stand beside Cathleen. "It's bad luck to see the bride on the wedding day before she gets to the altar."
With two of his sisters ganging up on him, Tom gave up. "You win."
Niamh and Cathleen looked at one another and Niamh spoke up, "That was too easy."
At that moment, Tom tried to get around them, but Brigid spoke up. "Uncle Tom, you need to wait to see Miss Sybil in the church. Ma told me."
With even his five-year-old niece against him, Tom did give up and Niamh dragged him upstairs to get Conall and Emmet, while the bridal party proceeded to the church.
The bridal party was met at the door of the church by Mrs. Branson and quickly ushered into the photography room. The photographer had arrived early and was setting up his equipment while the bridal party sat and waited.
"I'm glad that you're here now and you have your bouquets," said Mrs. Branson to Sybil and Cathleen after greeting everyone. "The flowers for Tom and Ciaran arrived soon after I did. The caterers arrived an hour ago and the photographer arrived fifteen minutes ago. Tom ought to be here with Niamh, Conall, Emmett and Connor soon."
"We saw them going into Mairin's building when we went to pick up Brigid," said Cathleen.
"Did he see Sybil?" asked Mrs. Branson.
"No, Brigid told him he had to wait," said Cathleen.
"Good girl, Brigid," said Mrs. Branson, kneeling down to her height to pat her on the cheek.
"Ma told me that Uncle Tom had to wait until the church to see Miss Sybil, Grandma," said Brigid solemnly.
Looking out the window, Mrs. Branson said, "Looks like Niamh, Connor, Conall and Emmet are here, which means I have some help with the rest of the decorations."
Anna spoke up. "Would you like an extra hand, Mrs. Branson? The bridal party won't need my help now."
"Mrs. Bates, is it?"
Anna nodded.
"Your help would be most welcome, Mrs. Bates," said Mrs. Branson. Looking at the bridal party, she added, "Can you ladies manage in here?"
Mary nodded for them and Anna went with Mrs. Branson to get the new arrivals to help finish decorating the church and the hall for the wedding breakfast.
Once Mrs. Branson was gone, Sybil sat down with Edith's help. She had been running on adrenalin since about lunch time, so she needed to sit down for a bit to calm her nerves.
When she was settled, the photographer approached the bridal party. "Do you mind if I take a few photographs of the bridal party? I like to try out the best poses with the ladies before the shots I'm paid to take."
"Not at all, Mr. O'Connor," said Sybil, smiling. "It will help pass the time."
When Tom finally arrived in his best suit at the church with Ciaran and Kevin, a number of guests had already arrived. His mother met them at the entrance to the church and led Tom and Ciaran to the office where the men's flowers were being kept while she told Kevin to find his wife in the church. Tom and Ciaran quickly put on their boutonnieres and proceeded into the church.
Since they had another fifteen minutes before the service was to start, Tom walked around and greeted as many guests as he could, thanking them for their attendance. Eventually, Tom made it to the front of the church with a minute to spare where he sat down on the front pew to wait for the service to start. Tom was surprised at how calm he was. He had expected to be nervous, but perhaps by keeping busy all afternoon, he had no time to be nervous. He hoped that Sybil was as eager as he was for this wedding.
Meanwhile, in the photography room, there was a knock on the door. Edith went to see who it was. Pastor Whelan greeted her on the other side of the door.
"Lady Edith," said Pastor Whelan quietly. "You can get the bridal party in order and wait by the inner church doors. Signal when you're ready and the bride can proceed down the aisle once the processional starts to play. Please ensure the bride takes off her gloves so that she can flip the claddagh ring."
"Of course, Pastor," said Edith, closing the door. Approaching Sybil, she said, "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I am," said Sybil, smiling. "Let's go."
Once Sybil's train was smoothed out on the floor and Edith took Brigid's hand, Mary stood behind them and Cathleen followed at the end. Edith nodded at Pastor Whelan who asked the congregants to rise. Tom and Ciaran took their places as the groom and his best man by the pastor.
The processional started to play and Sybil started walking down the aisle. Tom swallowed hard when he saw her. Sybil looked so beautiful that for a moment he forgot this was his wedding. He thought he was dreaming. Sybil looked at Tom through her veil and thought how handsome he was. When she reached the steps at the end of the aisle, Tom took a step down and smiled at Sybil. Sybil returned the smile and Mary stepped forward to place Sybil's hand into Tom's before taking her place between Edith and Cathleen. Brigid had returned to her family once they were down the aisle. Tom then led Sybil up one step to face the pastor.
"Dearly beloved," intoned Pastor Whelan. "We are here today in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining of this man, Tom Quinlan Branson, and this woman, Sybil Patricia Crawley, in Holy Matrimony."
Tom squeezed Sybil's hand and looked over at her. Sybil glanced at him, smiled and blushed. At that moment, the world ceased for Tom outside of Sybil. The next thing he heard was Pastor Whelan saying, "Let us proceed to the first reading."
Mairin rose and approached the pulpit where she read from Genesis 2 verses 15-24. Sybil and Tom tried to pay attention to Mairin but they only had eyes for one another.
Sybil glanced at Tom when Mary started to read Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnet and it brought back memories of when Tom gave Sonnets of the Portuguese to her in March.
Finally, Connor approached the pulpit and read from 1 Corinthians 13. The words that struck Tom from this passage was "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Looking at Sybil, he thought of his love for her and how he strived to be worthy of her love.
The next thing Sybil heard was Pastor Whelan saying, "If any of you can show just cause why Tom Branson and Sybil Crawley may not lawfully be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."
When no one spoke up, Pastor Whelan turned to Sybil and Tom and looked at Sybil. "Sybil, will you have this man to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"
Sybil glanced at Tom. "I will."
The pastor turned to look at Tom. "Tom, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?
Tom looked at Sybil. "I will."
It was time to sing Holy, Holy, Holy before the pastor gave his sermon on marriage and fidelity, which Tom thought reflected on their situation rather nicely.
Pastor then instructed Sybil and Tom to face one another and for Tom to take her right hand in his. "Repeat after me. I, Tom, take you, Sybil, to be my wife."
Tom repeated the words while looking Sybil in the eye.
"To have and to hold from this day forward."
Tom repeated the next set of words.
"For better or worse."
"For better or worse." Tom heard himself say.
"For richer for poorer."
Tom repeated the pastor.
"In sickness and in health."
Tom repeated the words.
"To love, honour and cherish, till death do us part."
Tom repeated the final line of his vows and he meant every word he said.
Pastor Whelan then instructed Sybil to take Tom's right hand in his and repeat after him. Sybil dutifully repeated essentially the same vows, except hers had only "to love and honour, till death do us part." Pastor Whelan had left out obey as previously requested.
"The ring, please," asked Pastor Whelan.
Sybil took off the claddagh ring and placed it his free hand.
Pastor Whelan raised the ring up high with his free hand. "O Lord, bless this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The pastor then handed the ring to Tom. "Repeat after me. Sybil, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow."
Tom repeated the words.
"And with all that I am and all that I have in the name of God."
Tom looked at Sybil and repeated the second set of words before sliding the claddagh ring on her ring finger with the heart pointing to her. Sybil smiled at him. They turned back to the pastor.
Pastor Whelan smiled at the couple. "You may now kiss the bride."
Tom's smile grew wide when he reached out to lift the veil over Sybil's head. Sybil looked intently at him. They both leaned in to share the first kiss as man and wife and it was magical. The kiss seemed to last forever until they heard the pastor clearing his throat, which was when they broke apart, blushing.
The pastor looked down at the text in his hand. "Now that Tom and Sybil have given themselves to one another by solemn vow and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are man and wife in the name of God."
The church cheered in approval and the organist began to play Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. Sybil and Tom looked at one another and Tom squeezed Sybil's hand. They were married, finally. Once the hymn had been sung, the organist played the Verdi March and Sybil, Tom and the wedding party followed Pastor Whelan down the aisle where he directed them into the room with the photographer.
The next half hour was devoted to pictures of the bride and groom with various combinations of immediate families and the wedding party. Once all the pictures were taken, the wedding party walked to the hall where the guests had been gathering and some had already started to take their seats for the wedding breakfast.
When Sybil and Tom took their seats, Ciaran called the wedding breakfast to order with a short speech to welcome Sybil into the Branson family. After the wedding breakfast, Sybil and Tom intermingled with the guests. Sybil met more of Tom's relatives and his friends and their spouses. Most of Tom's friends were able to make it, though Des and his wife couldn't. After the wedding breakfast, Tom noticed that Joe tried to speak at length with Sybil's sisters with some success.
Just before the cake was to be served, Niamh approached Sybil and Tom. "Tom, I don't believe I've been introduced to your lovely wife."
"It's been rather busy today, Niamh." Tom gave his sister a look. "Sybil, I'd like you to meet the last member of my family, my older sister, Niamh. Niamh, this is my wife, Sybil."
Blushing and smiling at being called his wife by Tom, Sybil asked, "How do you do, Niamh?" Sybil held her hand out to shake. "Tom's told me much about you. I guess I ought to thank you for inspiring him to go into service. Otherwise, we wouldn't have met."
"Lovely to meet you, Sybil," said Niamh, taking Sybil's hand and laughing. "I'm not certain that I inspired him to do anything, but from all I've heard I'm quite happy that you met my brother. You make him happy and that's the most important thing." Looking at the two of them, she added, "The ceremony was beautiful. Thank you for choosing one of my half days so that I could attend. I would not have wanted to miss it."
Tom looked at Sybil and then at Niamh. "We wouldn't have considered choosing a date that wouldn't have worked with your half day. Sybil and I both wanted as much of our family who could attend as possible."
Seeing that there were others who wanted to speak with the bride and groom, Niamh put her hand on Sybil's. "I won't monopolize your time. We'll have to share a meal the next time I'm in Dublin."
Tom smiled. "That sounds like a lovely idea. Perhaps you could have a meal with us at our home."
Niamh nodded. "Excellent! Until then." She then left them to the next set of guests who wanted a minute of time with the bride and groom.
After the wedding cake was cut and served, Mrs. Branson was surprised to find the newlyweds alone and approached them. Sybil and Tom smiled at her when they saw her.
"That was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended," said Mrs. Branson, smiling broadly.
"Thank you, Ma." Tom smiled at his mother.
Mrs. Branson turned to Sybil. "You did a wonderful job of getting it all organized."
"Not without a lot of your help, Mrs. Branson," said Sybil, smiling.
Mrs. Branson then reminded her. "I'm afraid that you can't call me, Mrs. Branson, now that you are also Mrs. Branson."
"I suppose I am," said Sybil, looking at Tom and laughing. "What would you prefer that I call you then?"
"If you wish, you may call me, Ma Branson or Mother Branson," said Mrs. Branson. "That's what Kevin and Aileen call me."
"Mother Branson, it is." Sybil smiled brightly. "Thank you so much for everything." Sybil surprised the woman by hugging her.
Tom had always wanted his mother and Sybil to get along but never in his dreams did he envision the relationship that had built up between them in the last month and a half.
Hearing a commotion behind her, Mrs. Branson said, "I'd better give Mairin a hand with the older boys. Sybil, I'll see you next Wednesday afternoon to go food shopping."
"Until then, Mother Branson."
"Tom," said Mrs. Branson, standing in front of him. "You better take care of Sybil or you will be hearing from me."
Tom replied automatically. "Yes, Ma."
Mrs. Branson reached up to pat his cheek, her voice laced with emotion. "Good boy, my Tom." She then left the newlyweds to tend to her grandsons.
Soon thereafter, Anna approached them. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Branson."
Sybil smiled at Anna. "Thank you, Anna. I'm so happy you decided to attend."
"It was a lovely ceremony, La-Mrs. Branson." Years of calling her Lady Sybil was a habit that was hard to break.
"Please keep an eye on Mary for me, Anna," said Sybil. "I'm worried about her."
"I will, Mrs. Branson," said Anna solemnly.
"Please send our best to Mr. Bates," said Tom. "Tell him that he's in our thoughts."
"I will, Mr. Branson." Anna nodded. "I hope that we'll see you both again at Downton for another set of nuptials in the fall."
Sybil turned to look at Tom briefly. "We hope so, too."
Tom offered. "Safe voyage home, Mrs. Bates."
"Thank you, Mr. Branson." Anna moved off since there were others who were looking to spend some time with the bride and groom.
Finally when most of the wedding guests had left the hall, Mary and Edith approached the pair standing by themselves by the door.
"Mary, Edith," said Sybil. "I guess this is goodbye."
"Yes, I'm afraid," said Mary. "We sail back to Holyhead tomorrow afternoon."
"Thank you for coming and taking part." Sybil pulled Mary in for a hug. "Please look after yourself. I'll miss you."
"I wouldn't have missed your wedding for the world," said Mary, looking at her baby sister. Turning to Tom, Mary added, "Please take care of my sister, Mr. Branson." She held her hand out for Tom to shake.
"I will, Lady Mary." Tom nodded and shook her hand.
Sybil turned to Edith, taking her sister's hands in hers. "Thank you for coming. I hope that you can visit Tom and I in August before I start work."
"I will try to convince, Papa." Edith sniffled.
"I'll help," said Mary.
Sybil looked to Mary, "Thank you." Sybil then pulled Edith into a hug. "I'll miss you."
Edith patted Sybil on the back. "I'll miss you, too, Sybil." When Sybil released her, Edith turned to Tom. "I know that you'll look after Sybil. Just keep doing what you're doing." Edith held out her hand.
"I will, Edith." Tom shook his new sister-in-law's hand vigourously.
Mary looked around the near empty hall. "Why don't the two of you get ready to leave. I'm sure that you've both had a long day. We can work with Mrs. Branson to ensure the hall is taken care of before we leave."
"Thank you, Mary." Sybil smiled at her sister. "Tom, shall we?"
Tom nodded and led Sybil to gather her things to leave the church.
A/N2: Sybil and Tom are married! Yay!
As I mentioned in the last couple of chapters, 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. Thank you to those who provided suggestions already. Any other 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. This story will become M-Rated with the next chapter of the wedding night. Consider this a warning! ;)
P.P.S. Sybil's wedding dress was inspired by a picture I found on the internet, the link to which I've added to my profile.
