Apologies again for the random updates, inspiration and motivation have been lacking for this fic lately, though I'm sure there will be more regular updates when season 2 starts and I'm in Downton Abbey obsession mode :P

Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter, they are definitely a motivator to write so thank you :)

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"Oh tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart"

- White Blank Page (Mumford and Sons)

June 1915

It had been almost a month, Tom recalled, since he'd found Sybil trying to hide her obvious distress following the confrontation with her mother. It had taken some coaxing, but she had finally told him the whole story, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. Her mother, he couldn't quite believe, had told her to choose between them, and to Branson's continued disbelief she had chosen him. Yet, his elation at this was heavily clouded by the fact that she had in effect sacrificed her own family for his sake, and that he couldn't accept.

As the weeks went by, although she hadn't spoken of it, Tom could tell Sybil was still affected by her mother's words. Her family had yet to contact her in any form and Branson hated that there was nothing he could do to fix things, though he hoped it would work itself out in time. Every time he attempted to broach the subject with her she'd cut him off, telling him that if they wanted to see her again they'd have to accept her choices and make the first move, as there was certainly no way she was going to beg her family for forgiveness. Tom couldn't help but give a small smile at her spirit and stubborn nature when she had told him that.

Branson's health gradually returned and he spent every possible minute in Sybil's presence, knowing he'd get sent back to the line as soon as the hospital gave him a clean bill of health. The prospect of leaving Sybil alone, especially with no family to turn to, troubled him. Of course she had many friends, a fact unsurprising to anyone who knew her, but Branson still wished her family would have a change of heart and at least get into contact with her.

It was early June when Branson had been informed he would be heading back to France soon. It was this that spurred him to do something he'd been putting off for a while, something he needed to say. The fact that it was now effectively set in stone that he was leaving again made him want to make absolutely sure Sybil would be alright once he did so.

He headed to the hospital, as had become his routine, to meet her after her shift ended. His concern immediately heightened when she wasn't waiting for him like usual. He was instead greeted by another familiar face, Sophie, one of Sybil's friends, and fellow nurse, who he had gotten to know well from his frequent visits. She looked solemn as Branson approached.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, "Is Sybil-?"

"She's okay" Sophie immediately reassured, "though she received a letter this morning, from her family I think. She was reading it when I left, I don't think it was good news Tom, you should go through and see her."

Branson nodded his thanks and followed her into the hospital.

Sybil opened the letter slowly, would it be more hurtful words from her mother, or even her father? Her heart sped up until she unfolded it to reveal the elaborate flourish of her sister Mary's elegant hand and sighed slightly in quiet relief. She was glad it was her oldest sister; she was one of the few who seemed to understand, yet what was inside wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear.

Dearest Sister,

It has been so long since I have spoken to you, and I am sorry that I do not bring happier news. Mama has told me what happened when she saw you in London last month and I knew I must write to you immediately. She is dreadfully upset by how she reacted, but I'm afraid she is still adamant that you need to find a husband worthy of your position. I have tried to talk to her for you, but cannot get her to change her mind. Due to my insistence she has yet to tell Papa about you and Branson, but I don't know how long that will last as I'm sure Papa can tell something is wrong. I will keep you updated on everything here, and will try to talk to Mama again on your behalf.

I'm sorry for the shortness of this letter, but I hope it finds you well, and you do not take Mama's words too badly.

Best wishes,

Mary

Although she was happy to have heard from her sister, the news concerning her mother was enough to make her scrunch up the paper and throw it across the room, just as Tom walked through the door. "Sybil?" he questioned, concerned, as he took in the discarded letter on the floor by his feet then looked back to Sybil who was sitting by the table in the centre of the room, "from your mother?"

Sybil exhaled in annoyance, "Mary" she replied, "She says Mama won't change her mind. I think my sister believes this can all be sorted out, but until I hear from my mother directly I will never feel welcome back at home. I just- I just don't know what to do."

Branson held on to the small mercy that Sybil still had her oldest sister on her side, and hopefully her family would follow in due course. He sighed and headed over to the table, pulling up another chair to sit next to her. He took Sybil's hands in his own; "I'm so sorry for all of this" he began.

"What? No, it's not your fault," Sybil interjected, "It's my mother's prejudices and concern for our reputation. And anyway, you can't help who you fall in love with."

He leaned closer and captured her lips with his. Breaking away slightly, he pressed his forehead against hers as his eyes remained closed. "I love you too Lady Sybil" he began, "and you know I would never do anything to hurt you." He leaned back and looked her in the eye, "but I couldn't live with myself if I was the reason you never saw your family again. Promise me that if anything happens-"

Sybil seemed about to interrupt, but shaking his head slightly he continued, "If anything happens to me promise me you'll go back home, I don't want you to be alone."

"And when you come back?" she replied.

"Then I'll be there with you at the doors of Downton to see your family ask for your forgiveness for their foolishness. I don't know how anyone could bear to not see your face again." This brought a smile to her face causing his own spirits to rise.

"So you promise?" he questioned, needing to hear her say it so she'd follow through with it if anything were to happen to him.

Sybil sighed, "Yes, I promise."

Branson smiled warmly at her, reassured.

"Where's all this coming from?" Sybil asked, confused. She paused as realisation dawned on her, "they're sending you back aren't they?"

Branson nodded slowly and Sybil tried to keep composed, "When?"

"At the end of this week, I'm fully recovered and fit for duty."

Sybil nodded her understanding, she needed to stay strong for him. Then a thought crossed her mind; "Now seeing as I'm making you a promise, you can remember the one you made me."

Branson paused, knowing exactly what she was referring to. When he had promised her he would return. The current moment felt like some sort of parallel; he was leaving her again, and he couldn't bear it, "Of course I do."

"Tell me you won't break it."

"I won't."