With Isobel's help, Sybil applied for a transfer to a hospital in London. Isobel had a friend who was a nursing supervisor at St. George's and she had gladly taken on Sybil at Isobel's urging.
Sybil waited until all the arrangements were made before she told her family. Sybil smiled at that thought. She had "told" them not asked permission from her father not just because she doubted whether her father would actually give her permission but because she no longer cared or needed his permission.
As customary even though there was a war raging on, the family, including Granny, were dressed in their finest and being waited on by Carson and Barrow. Sybil had asked Isobel to join them for dinner just because she wanted a friendly face at the table when she told them of her plans.
"I had good news today" Sybil began. "I was offered a position at St. George's Hospital in London."
A hush came over the dinner table.
"What?" asked a perplexed Robert.
"I was offered a position at St. George's in London. It's currently being used as a military hospital. I will start on Monday." Sybil calmly replied.
With startled looks, all the diners turned towards Sybil.
"It's a wonderful opportunity. Congratulations" Isobel chimed.
"We need to talk about this" said a shocked Cora.
"There's really nothing to talk about. I accepted the position" replied Sybil.
"Where will you live?" asked Cora.
"There's a dormitory at the hospital just for the nurses. We each have our own room and …"
"No" thundered Robert before Sybil could finish her sentence. "No daughter of mine will go to work in London" he continued.
"Papa, there is a need in London for nurses. I will be able to greatly improve my nursing skills. It is quite an opportunity for me" Sybil replied undaunted by her father's rage.
"There is no need for you to IMPROVE your nursing skills. Once this war is over you will no longer be a nurse."
"But, Papa, I love nursing and I want to continue my nursing after the war".
Cora, sensing the growing tension between her husband and her youngest daughter, tried to sooth the tension. "I don't think we need to discuss that just now. I want to hear more about this job in London."
"Cora, I just said Sybil will not be going to London to work." Robert continued to thunder.
Standing her ground, Sybil calmly stated "I have accepted the position. I will leave on Sunday. I will be happy to discuss the job and what it entails but I will not be shouted at. I have made my decision."
Sybil was proud that she was able to maintain her calm demeanor. She glanced over at Isobel and was rewarded with an encouraging nod.
Cora knew that unless Robert locked Sybil in her room for the rest of the war, Sybil would be going to London. While Sybil was generally described as kind and caring, Cora knew her daughter was also stubborn and headstrong. Once Sybil set her mind on something she didn't let it go until she got what she wanted. And Cora knew that Robert would eventually give in to Sybil, he always had.
But it was Violet who finally voiced an opinion. "I'm not really sure Sybil why you feel the need to go to London when there is a perfectly good hospital here but if you feel the war effort needs your help in London then I think you should go."
"Mama, have you lost your mind?" Robert decried.
"No son. But everything is in such an uproar. Who would have thought we'd have soldiers sleeping in our parlor? I'm sure Sybil will be well supervised."
"I'm sure she will" Isobel chimed in. "I have a friend that's a nursing supervisor at St. George's. I could contact her and ask her to keep an eye on Sybil" Isobel innocently added.
"I don't want any special favors cousin Isobel. I want to be treated like the other nurses" Sybil gamely played on.
"I understand. But it would be nice for you and your family to know there is someone that would look out for you and be available should any need arise."
Although Robert was not totally happy about the situation he eventually saw that the matter was really out of his hands.
Later that night, Mary went to Sybil's bedroom hoping to finally clear the air between them. Mary had never been able to patch things up with Sybil although she had tried to talk to her on several occasions. At first Mary had been stunned that Sybil held such a grudge even though she realized that Sybil felt she had betrayed her trust. She had always had a close bond with Sybil, closer in fact that with any other person, and Mary was distraught that that bond seemed broken. While Sybil was cordial to Mary if others were around, she never sought out Mary. But now with Sybil leaving, Mary felt she had to try again to try to repair the damage she had done to their relationship.
Without waiting for a reply to her knock, Mary entered Sybil's room. Mary was surprised to find the young woman who had once again caused an uproar in the family, was calmly lying in bed reading a book.
"You've managed to surprise us once again Sybil dear" Mary said in what she hoped sounded like a friendly voice.
"Well maybe if the family thought about more than themselves, I wouldn't always be surprising everyone" replied Sybil in a guarded tone.
"I just hope that you really have thought this through. I don't want you to leave because of me and then be unhappy in London."
"Why should I be unhappy in London? I will be working. I will be learning. I will be around other people. I .."
"You won't be around us"
"Well yes, that will be a bonus" Sybil archly stated.
"Oh Sybil I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Believe me I was only thinking of what was best for you. I only want what is the best for you. Of all of us, you deserve happiness. Is there no way we can get past this?" Mary tried to keep the quiver out of her voice but failed to keep the tears from forming.
"I'm tired of other people deciding what is best for me. I want to choose what I do in life and who I'm friends with. I haven't been able to forgive you Mary. Maybe someday I will but not yet."
"Regardless of what you think, I will truly miss you. And not just because I now only have Edith to talk to" Mary tried injecting some humor into the conversation. "Will you at least write to me? I do want to know how you're doing"
"I'll probably be very busy so I'm not promising anything." Sybil realized Mary really was trying to extend an olive branch. All her life, Mary had been the one person Sybil relied on. Whatever the situation, Sybil had been able to talk to Mary. Until now. No, it was until Tom came along. Sybil realized that Tom provided the comfort and caring that she had always found with Mary.
While Sybil was finishing her packing the following morning, she was unexpectedly paid a visit by her mother.
"I don't really understand why you're going to London but I want you to know that I will miss you."
"Oh mama, I just think I can be so much more than I am here." Cora wasn't surprised by Sybil's response. Since Sybil was a baby, Cora knew she was different from her sisters. She was so much more inquisitive than either of them had been. It seemed like every room Sybil entered was a place to explore until she fully knew every nook and cranny and all the treasures contained within. While Mary and Edith could be content quietly reading, playing with their dolls, or having tea parties, Sybil wanted to run and climb and explore. Cora had always known in her heart that one day Downton would be too small for Sybil.
"I do expect to get letters from you. And I expect you to visit Aunt Rosamund on a frequent basis."
"I'm not sure how much free time I will have mama. But I do promise to write."
"If you're unhappy for any reason, I want you to know you can come home. Don't stay away to prove a point." It really was hard for Cora to see Sybil go. Although she loved all her daughters, it was Sybil who had always brought her comfort and contentment. Even though Sybil had always been the most independent, it was Sybil that Cora secretly felt closest to. If she was honest with herself, Cora did admire Sybil for choosing her own path.
On Monday morning, Robert said his goodbyes at the breakfast table. He was still upset that Sybil was going but not for all the reasons he had voiced. He realized he was most upset that he was losing control over his family and he felt he was losing his beloved daughter. Unbeknownst to the rest of the family, he watched from the library as his baby daughter got into the car.
Cora, Mary, and Edith escorted Sybil to the car waiting to take her to the railway station. As they hugged her, Mary stated she hoped the war was over soon and Sybil would come back to them.
As the car drove off, the only dry eyes were Sybil's.