Sybbie and George emerged after around half an hour, dressed for a fairly casual dinner. Sybbie sat down in her usual spot next to George, a small smile on her face. She was really trying her hardest to make them think that she was alright, if anything she was feeling worse. The amount of guilt she had was indescribable, she had ruined their lives. George no longer had his best friend, she was damaged goods and her aunt and uncle were stuck having to deal with her.
Matthew and Mary also sat down, helping themselves to creamy chicken with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Ever since Robert and Cora had left Downton, they had scaled back massively. Prefering to do most things themselves now, it was nice and made Matthew feel the way he had before finding out that he was Downton's heir. Sybbie and George helped themselves, Sybbie putting a ridiculously small portion on her plate. She picked at it, cutting it into small bits and mushing it into the plate. Mary saw what she was doing and frowned fixing a steely glare on her niece/surrogate daughter, she was not best pleased.
"Sybil Mary Cora Branson! Stop that at once! You need to eat, you're way too thin! What did daddy and I talk to you about the other day?" She said, raising her eyebrow not at all amused. Sybbie blushed slightly as she felt everyone's eyes on her, she knew what she was doing was wrong but she just felt sick all the time. Her cheeks burned and she tightened her grip on the knife and fork.
"Sorry, I'm trying my best and I can't help it. I feel really sick all the time," She admitted, slowly raising her fork and chewing on a piece of chicken. Mary softened, placing her hand on top of hers. She felt bad, she knew the poor girl was trying her best. However, she was so thin that all Mary could do was worry and worry about the slight girl. Matthew frowned, dabbing his mouth with the napkin.
"We know you're trying, sweetheart. It's just you're so sickly looking and with winter coming up the last thing we need is you getting unwell," He said, pouring both children a generous glass of lemonade. Sybbie began to eat, using the lemonade to make it bearable and to ease some of the sickness away. George reached out for seconds and thirds, clearing his plate as if he'd not eaten for a week. Mary smiled fondly at her son and shook her head.
"Leave some for the rest of us," She said teasingly, laughing as George turned red and put his knife and fork down. He stood up, taking his jacket off the back of the chair. He rubbed his stomach, he'd eaten so much food that he had a stomach ache. He grinned at his mother, father and Sybbie.
"Sorry, I was hungry," He said sheepishly. He drained the remainder of his drink and put the empty glass on the table, he was exhausted now and all he wanted was to go to sleep. After the day he'd had finding out about what William had done to Sybbie, leaving school, finding out that Sybbie was referring to his parents as hers, it was all a bit draining for him.
"Please may I be excused? I'm so tired and I really need to go to bed," He rubbed at his eyes, nearly dead on his feet. Mary looked at her boy, love shining in her eyes. He'd been through hell today, he'd been nothing but kind when he had found out about what Sybbie had been through. She was so unbelievably proud of the young man he was becoming, almost a copy of his father.
"Of course, sweet dreams darling boy" Mary said, kissing his cheek and watching as he said goodnight to his father and cousin. Once George had left the room, Mary looked at Matthew and was dreading the conversation that they were going to have with Sybbie. They knew that they needed to tell her about their plans for tomorrow.
They left the dining room, soon making their way into the library. Mary sat down and guided her niece to sit next to her, Matthew sat opposite them and cleared his throat. He reached out and tenderly held the little girl's hand, Sybbie squeezed hold of it worried about what they were going to talk to her about. She felt like her stomach was doing flips inside her, she tapped her foot on the floor. She was desperately trying to comfort and reassure herself.
"Daddy and I were talking whilst you were upstairs, we've realised that you haven't been to a doctor to get looked over. We are going to take you to Dr Clarkson's tomorrow morning, just to see how you are. We're really worried that he could've caused you a lot of potentially serious injuries, darling" Mary said softly, she could see the panic on Sybbie's face. Not just panic, but pure terror etched on her face.
"No... I'm not going! No, I am not going! I don't want to, I'm all better Mummy! See," She whispered and pulled up her sleeves to show no marks or bruises left. She trembled slightly, adamant that she would not be going to get seen by him or anyone else. She hated doctors, after everything that had happened with her mama and papa she did not want to be at one whatsoever.
"Come here, darling. Come on, it will be alright," She whimpered softly and held her arms out to Matthew, who scooped her up in a big hug. He soothed her, gently stroking her hair whilst she trembled in his arms. She felt out of control once again, she was scared of what they would find and also, she was scared that he had permanently injured her. She burst into tears on his chest, clutching onto his middle.
"Daddy, I'm scared!" Her breathing hitched and she gripped his shirt, it broke both their hearts to hear how scared she was. They wanted to kill William for doing this to her, for being the reason why she was so scared. That monster had ruined their little girl's life and they would never forgive him for it.
"I know baby, Mummy and Daddy will be with you every step of the way" Matthew soothed, wiping her tears and hugging her tight. Mary fell more in love with him, he was so good with them. So kind, caring and compassionate. She ran her hand up and down her back, watching with a small smile as she drifted to sleep in Matthew's arms. She felt safe here, like nothing would hurt her whilst they were there.
They awoke the next morning, bright and early. It had been one hell of a night to say the least; Sybbie had woken up four different times in the night. Kicking, screaming and punching the demons away, screaming for her mama and papa and screaming for Mary and Matthew. It had broken their hearts, the last nightmare she had being the worst,
"Stop it William! Please, I won't tell anyone. It hurts so much, please don't I'll do anything!" Matthew and Mary had been jolted awake, Sybbie was kicking and screaming like nothing they had ever seen before. She screamed for her mama and papa, Matthew pulled the little girl gently. He hugged her to his chest while she kicked and screamed, her throat going hoarse. They knew that they had to calm her down and quick.
"Shhh my darling girl, everything will be ok. Wake up, take a deep breath you're safe," Matthew cradled her to his chest, Mary grabbed a cold wet cloth gently dabbing her face while she writhed around. She was so distressed, she wished that she could take away all the pain from her. She didn't deserve this, she really didn't. Sybbie's eyes flickered open, she heaved with sobs and buried into Matthew's chest.
"Sorry...I'm so sorry! Mummy...Daddy please make it stop! I can't keep doing this I can't!" Sybbie sobbed, tearfully clutching both Matthew and Mary. Matthew shushed her, kissing her forehead while she wept pitifully. Matthew tightened his hold on the little girl, hugging her tight to him.
"Daddy's here darling... Mummy and Daddy aren't leaving you for a moment," Matthew hugged her tight, soothingly rubbing her back and smiling when she nuzzled in his chest, her breathing slowing somewhat. She snuggled in more, breathing in the smell of her Aunt and Uncle's perfume and aftershave, she reached up to play with the necklace that Mary always wore. Mary took the little girl into her arms and onto her lap, letting her play with the necklace.
"Your mama got that necklace for me a month before she died," Mary swallowed the lump in her throat as she heard Sybbie's breathing hitch. She snuggled in more, occasionally looking up at Mary with tearful eyes. Mary stroked the little girl's hair, reaching out to wipe her tears away. Sybbie leaned into her touch, beginning to calm down and laid her head on Mary's chest.
"How can I miss someone that I didn't even know? I just miss my mama. I want my mama!" Sybbie sniffled, burying her face into her Aunt's chest and hiccuping slightly. Mary's heart broke, she couldn't fix this for her. No one could, she looked up at Matthew and saw his eyes fill with tears. She knew that he felt the same about this situation.
"I know you want your mama... I'm so sorry that she was taken from you. She loved you so much, so did your papa! I'd never seen anyone so happy to be expecting their first baby," Mary soothed gently rocking the little girl in her arms and kissing her cheek. Sybbie closed her eyes, a feeling of warmth rushing over her. This is what she imagined it would be like to be held by her own mama, she slowly fell asleep encased in love by her second parents.
Matthew went into the bathroom to get ready. He had a bath, shave and dressed himself in a casual suit and tie, he felt much better once he emerged. Sybbie and Mary went in after, Mary helped Sybbie to get dressed. She was a bit concerned, something didn't seem right. The way Sybbie was holding herself and the way she was wincing when she was putting on her undergarments. Mary wasn't going to ask her now, afterall she would soon find out at the Doctor's when they took Sybbie in for her appointment.
"I'm very proud of you, I know how much you dislike Doctors. But remember, if you want me in that room all you have to is ask and I will be in there. I'll be right by your side," Mary said softly as she finished getting herself dressed. Sybbie nodded, opening the door and stepping out before taking a deep breath. Her chest felt so tight and she felt like she wanted to pass out. Matthew noticed how pale she'd become, he knelt down in front of her. He recognised the signs, she was having a panic attack. He too had suffered with them just after the war.
"Take a deep breath darling, slow deep breaths. You're going to be just fine," He soothed, taking both her hands in his and took some deep breaths alongside her. Sybbie's breath hitched and she let out a small sob, collapsing into his arms. Matthew cradled her in his arms, soothingly rocking her back and forth. It was only really when he had her in in his arms that he realised just how small she was for her age, she was so small. He felt guilty that they were responsible for her panic attack because they were taking her to the Doctor's.
"Can't breath, daddy!" She sobbed, snuggling within his embrace. Mary went over, kneeling next to her husband and wrapping her arms around them both. She too felt awful that they were taking her there, it was probably one of places that she hated the most. Especially after the death of Tom, that's what really cemented it for her. Mary suddenly had an idea, she gently unclasped the necklace from her neck and held it out to the young girl.
"Sybbie, would you like this necklace? The one your mama got for me?" She said softly, watching as she began to calm down and nodded pitifully. Mary put the necklace around Sybbie's neck, smiling as she calmed down and clutched it tight in her hand. She looked up at them both, tears rolling down her face.
"I miss mama..." She whispered pitifully, clutching it tight. Matthew stood up with her in his arms, hugging her tight and stroking her hair. He grew in confidence when she tightly clung to his neck, burying her face into his shoulder.
"I know, I know... Daddy's got you, Daddy's listening." He soothed, pressing a kiss to her cheek and swaying back and forth. Mary watched on, her heart full of love.
Mary and Matthew made their way downstairs with Sybbie, they knew that they needed to find George to tell them where they were going and to see what he was doing for the rest of the day. Mary felt guilty, she knew that poor George was being put on the backburner a little because of his cousin's trauma and all the after effects of that. Mary quickly made her way into the dining room, kissing and hugging George tight.
"Good morning Georgie, your father and I need to take Sybbie to the doctors today for a check up," She said softly, George sent his cousin a sympathetic look. He knew how much she hated the doctors, he nodded and stuffed some toast into his mouth. Sybbie took some toast from the rack and copied his action, Mary smiled approvingly at least she was eating something.
"Ok mother, well Bertie, John and I are heading into the village. We also might go to the Christmas stalls so I will be back quite late, is that ok?" he said, taking a sip from his cup of tea. Mary smiled, he was always so respectful and asking for her approval whenever he did anything. She fetched into her purse and handed him a £10 note, watching as his face lit up.
"Of course, that's alright. Just be careful and stay safe, I'm so proud of you. You're such a good boy," She whispered the last part to him and kissed his cheek again.
"Mother! You're embarrassing me," He giggled and winked at Sybbie who was giggling just as much.
After an hour, Sybbie, Mary and Matthew were stood outside the Doctor's office, Sybbie was nearly rooted to the spot. Matthew gently rubbed her shoulder, smiling at her encouragingly, she hid against his side. Her heart felt funny again and she whimpered, Matthew put his hand on the back of her head and shushed her.
"It's Ok, it'll be over before you know it. We'll go to the tea shop after and you can have some chocolate cake, how does that sound?" He said softly, his smile growing as she nodded and pulled away from him. Mary hid a smile with her hand, he had always spoilt both George and Sybbie with cakes, toys and other treats when they were younger and now, here he was doing it again to get Sybbie into the doctors. She would've giggled if it wasn't for the serious reason they were there for, she thought it was cute the way Matthew resorted to methods that he knew worked when she was little.
"Ok Sybbie darling, we need to go in. Daddy is going to wait outside for us," Mary said softly and watched as she flung herself into his arms. Matthew hugged her tight and kissed her cheek, he was so proud of her. So unbelievably proud.
"My brave girl!" Matthew whispered softly, pulling away from her and smiling encouragingly. He pecked Mary's cheek, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. He couldn't imagine how hard this would be for the both of them. He sat outside in the fresh air, twiddling his thumbs and hoping against all odds that she wasn't permanently injured.
Mary watched as Sybbie was laying on the hospital bed, she gently held onto her hand and stroked her hair. Sybbie clung to her hand as Doctor Clarkson walked in, she felt vulnerable and scared. Tears filled her eyes and Mary wiped them away, she glanced at Dr Clarkson.
"I trust you know why we're here," She said in a whisper, having already explained the reason to the nurse in charge. Dr Clarkson nodded solemnly, he too felt angry that a child had been brutally violated in such a way. Dr Clarkson took a seat next to Mary and Sybbie, he wanted to make this go as quickly as possible for both the child and her aunt.
"Yes, Nurse Hilda explained to me the reason of your visit. How long ago did it happen?" He said looking between both Sybbie and Mary. Sybbie fiddled with her hands and glanced up at him, she wanted to be anywhere else but here. This was mortifying having to explain it to a stranger pretty much.
"3 months ago.." She said softly, clinging to her Aunt's hand tightly. She just wanted to go home, she didn't want to know whether anything was wrong with her. Dr Clarkson frowned a little, angry that the poor girl had been in so much pain for that length of time. He turned to the both of them and sat down, trying to be as sympathetic as he could.
"Ok, well what is going to happen is that Nurse Hilda will do all the intimate examinations and I will then prescribe any treatments that you might need," He said, soothingly patting the young girls arm. She flinched slightly at the contact and quickly apologised. She desperately wanted this over with, she hated it here.
Before too long, Nurse Hilda made her way into the room. Sybbie liked her almost immediately; she was a plump middle aged woman with short blonde hair, she had a kind face and a nice smile. It put her for the most part at ease. Mary had felt the same way, she was glad that it would be this woman doing her niece's examination. Nurse Hilda put her equipment on the table and smiled down at the young girl.
"Hello, Sybbie is it? My name is Nurse Hilda but you can call me Catherine. There will be a few examinations that we will do, the first one being just a general check up. This is where we will check for internal bruising in your back, stomach and we will also check your chest area, is that ok?" She said gently, trying not to overwhelm the poor girl who was way too young to be going through this. Sybbie nodded, taking a deep breath and trying to calm herself down.
"Then what we will do is check internally to make sure he's not caused any damage to your reproductive system. I know this is daunting but if at anytime you want to stop, then we will. You're the one in control here, would you like your Aunt to be in the room with you while we do this?" Nurse Hilda said, slowly beginning to get the equipment out that she would need to complete the examinations. Sybbie nodded and clutched Mary's hand tightly.
"Then finally what we will do is a test to see if you are pregnant. This is very simple, all you will do is urinate into a cup and we will send it off for analysis. It will take a week or so for the results to get back," She pat the young girls hand gently. Mary was horrified, in the midst of all this mess she had never once stopped to think that William could've gotten her niece pregnant. Sybbie too hadn't thought of that and she whimpered pitifully, her eyes filling with tears.
"Shhh my darling, Mummy's here now." She wiped the young girl's cheeks and kissed her forehead, holding onto the young girls hand. Nurse Hilda smiled at the tender scene before her. She helped the young girl sit up and gently asked her if she could remove her clothing so she could inspect the affected areas, Sybbie nodded and removed her clothes. Nurse Hilda visibly winced as she looked at the young girl's chest and stomach, seeing bruise outlines across her body. She felt her blood boil, that monster had hurt her so badly that they might take another few months or so to heal completely. She looked at the young girl's back, seeing some bruising there too she frowned.
"Well done Sybbie, you have been very brave. There is some bruising still so we need you to rest and apply some ointment that we give you 3 times a day, are you ready for your internal exam?" She said softly, feeling very sorry for the young girl who was probably going to feel violated all over again.
Sybbie nodded, feeling more comfortable when Mary started to stroke her hair and kept a hold of her hand. Nurse Hilda instructed the young girl to remove her undergarments and turned away to give her more privacy. She placed a towel over her midsection to cover her up a little and gently explained to her exactly what was going to happen and how long it would take. Nurse Hilda inspected her private area, her breath caught in her throat as she saw the damage that had been inflicted on this poor child. She was bruised, swollen and torn, hissing in pain when the Nurse had internally checked her reproductive organs.
"Ouch..." Sybbie whimpered pitifully, bursting into tears feeling violated all over again. Mary stroked her hair whispering sweet nothings in her ear, telling her that it would all be over soon and how proud she was of her. Sybbie leaned into her touch, taking a deep breath while Nurse Hilda looked down apologetically. She felt so bad for the young girl.
"Ok, we're all done. There, there you did amazingly well poppet. I am a bit concerned about the level of bruising and swelling that is still there so we will need to keep an eye on that," She said gently and disposed of the equipment that was now no longer sterile. Mary stroked Sybbie's hair, she was so proud of her and hugged her tight. Nurse Hilda handed her a pot.
"Are you ready for the last part?" She said softly, handing it to her when she nodded. After going through what she needed to do, they both gave her some privacy. Sybbie handed it back to the nurse once she was done, watching as it was bagged and labelled. She felt sick again. Dr Clarkson entered the room with some ointment and different pain relievers and handed them to Mary who accepted them gratefully.
"The instructions and dosages are in there, she should start to feel better within a week or so." He said quietly, smiling politely at the young girl who offered a small smile in return. Mary thanked the Doctor and nurse profusely, helping her niece to get properly dressed and sorted out. She was so proud of how brave she had been and everything she'd had to endure.
They walked out together, Mary hiding the prescription in her bag. Sybbie ran down the steps and saw Matthew get up from the bench. She ran to him and hugged him tight, her arms clinging to his neck.
"Daddy!" She hiccuped, feeling him lift her off the ground and twirl her around. He was so happy to see her, he pressed a kiss to her cheek and rubbed her back softly.
"Hello darling, let's go. Would you like some cake? A hot chocolate too?" He said soothingly, smiling when she nodded against his shoulder. He shifted Sybbie in his arms, reaching his hand out to his wife so that they could hold hands. She accepted it with a grin, walking hand in hand with him towards their favourite tea shop. Once they got there, Matthew put Sybbie down and told them both to find a table while he went to order.
Matthew came back a little while later with three huge slices of chocolate cake and three hot chocolates, placing them down on the table he took a seat. Dishing out the cakes and drinks he smiled slightly, watching as Sybbie ate and drank. He would let her eat this whenever she wanted if it meant that she would eat normally again.
They all sat in a comfortable silence, just chatting amiably while they finished their food. Mary stacked the plates and cups while Sybbie and Matthew stood up, pushing their chairs in. They walked in a comfortable silence, just enjoying the village and the scenery. Sybbie loved it, she felt so normal and carefree. She slipped her hands into Mary and Matthew's, which they took happily as they enjoyed the fresh air.
Things hadn't been going so well for George, his two friends had turned up late so he was left at the markets for an hour or so on his own. Once they were altogether, they'd had a brilliant time. They had picked up gifts, eaten their weight in candy floss and drank enough apple cider to sink a battleship. It was the most fun that George had for a very long time, he had really needed this.
After a few hours, George said his goodbyes and started to walk home towards Downton. Everything seemed normal at first, he enjoyed walking the crisp air stinging his cheeks a little. All of a sudden, he had a very bad feeling that came on. He walked a little more and stopped dead in his tracks, his blood began to boil and his hands started to shake as he looked at the boy standing in front of him, his lips curled into a sneer.
"William!" he hissed.