And I'm back! Sorry for the delay! Anyway, I really wanted to explore the idea of what Larry would think if he saw Sybil in a certain outfit. You'll understand when you read it. Also, if it helps, I recommend going back and rereading the last chapter, just to get in the right mind frame for what is happening in this one. Thanks for reading and for all your lovely comments! They are always a pleasure (and sometimes a hoot!) to read!
Renewed Vigor
August, 1913
He manages to stay true to his vow. He doesn't darken Downton's doors that New Years, and when the Season comes, he spends as much time at one of his clubs, rather than any ball where he may run into some member of the Crawley family. Not that he's in any fear of running into her. He still has one more season; one more season until Sybil Crawley makes her debut.
Not so long ago he had been looking forward to that day. Now, it fills him with dread.
She'll be eligible then, officially "off the shelf", and he has little doubt that there will be others wishing to court her.
His ugly duckling has turned into a swan. Oh if only she could have remained homely for just a little longer. Let her have an unsuccessful debut, like Edith. Then he could sweep in and save her from potential spinsterhood!
But it's not to be, apparently. She is a beauty, and will no doubt be even more beautiful a year from now when she turns eighteen.
Damn her. Why does she consume his thoughts so? Unappreciative chit. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped the foreigner from gawking at her figure? Damn her, and damn himself, too. He still reels with humiliation whenever he thinks about that kiss.
It was her first kiss; that much he could tell.
He was meant to be her teacher in such things, woo her and make her whimper in longing for him. But it all went wrong. And as much as he wants to blame her entirely for what happened, he knows he can't escape his own guilt. Instead of igniting her passions, he frightened her, he—
Wait.
Perhaps that's the answer?
Maybe it's not him. Maybe…it's her?
She's afraid of these emotions, these "passionate" feelings…
She's seventeen, trapped somewhere between a girl and a woman. And he is the first man to passionately embrace and kiss her (and by God, if he has his way, the ONLY man). That must be it, surely? She doesn't understand what her body is going through, especially after so many years of being undesirable.
She is awakening, like a flower in the spring bursting forth into full bloom.
He just needs to be tender with her bud, and nurture her as she grows.
He breaks his vow when the time comes for the annual garden party. For the first time in nearly a year, he returns to Downton.
He spots her instantly and stares in shock.
"Is she wearing trousers?" his sister gasps.
"She looks like she belongs in a sultan's harem," his mother mutters.
Indeed, it's the most shocking frock he's ever seen, and it arouses him in a way he never thought possible!
He can see her LEGS! Or rather, he can see that she has legs.
And now all he can think about are the things he wants to do with her legs.
She smiles and laughs and blushes at something someone said. She even does a little twirl, showing off her bizarre frock.
Gone are any angry feelings from the past.
He is more determined than ever to make her his.