Happy Birthday, Sybbie

"Is Uncle Kieran here, yet Dad?" said Sybbie as she glanced around the Grantham Arms for Kieran. She grinned, very happy that her uncle had agreed to see her for her birthday.

Tom looked around the pub more thoroughly than Sybbie had, drinking in the casual atmosphere. The Grantham Arms had always been his favorite place to eat from his early days living at Downton to now. The place smelled of beer and ale rather than the expensive liquor at Downton Abbey, and the customers wore simple cotton clothing. If not for the loud Yorkshire accents, Tom could almost believe he were back in Ireland.

Certainly, his family could embrace their Irish heritage and the new Irish constitution without leaving home if a place like this existed in Yorkshire. His family fit in fine here, especially as everyone from Sybbie to Lucy wore plain cotton, rather than the fancy clothes they wore to Lord Grantham's ridiculous functions.

"Hey Tommy!" said Kieran's voice, his brogue almost as strong as Tom's, from behind him. There was no trace of miff as there usually was since Tom had turned Kieran's offer to move to Liverpool down, either.

Tom grinned, turning to greet his older brother; perhaps the letter he'd written a couple of weeks ago had helped more than he'd expected. "Hi Kieran." He held out his hand, but Kieran embraced him in a warm, brotherly hug instead.

"And Sybbie," Kieran said when they withdrew. "I haven't seen you since your Confirmation." He shook his head in wonder. "And now you are almost all grown-up. Happy seventeenth birthday." With that, godfather and goddaughter embraced just as fiercely, and Tom's heart filled his entire chest.

Perhaps he and his family would gain more than they lost from Tom's estrangement from Lord Grantham. Especially as Kieran knelt to greet Erin and then Patrick. If they lost a grandfather, they would win a closer relationship with their uncle. Kieran even shook Lucy's hand politely.

"Thank you again for coming tonight, love," Tom said into his wife's ear as they found a table that would accommodate all six of them. He knew Lucy struggled with Kieran, especially considering Tom and his brother's relationship had become so tense over the years. And Lucy loathed to be treated coldly; it made her feel judged because of her illegitimacy.

But Lucy also knew how important it was for Tom and their family to embrace Ireland, especially in the last few months. The fact that she'd agreed made him love her more than he ever thought he could love anyone. "Kieran is a good man once you get to know him," he said into Lucy's ear as they all sat down.

They both smiled as Sybbie laughed, tossing her head back at one of Kieran's jokes. Erin also chuckled, and so did little Patrick though he clearly had no idea why. "I can see that now, Tom," Lucy said into his ear.

This would be a wonderful birthday celebration for Sybbie and all of their family.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"So how is your garage doing, Kieran?" said Tom later, as they all enjoyed Sybbie's birthday dinner. If it was one thing he and his brother could discuss easily, it was motors.

Of course, the roast potatoes and vegetables at the Grantham Arms may be a close second, as both he and Kieran took a healthy bite of their meal. "Good, Tommy," Kieran said after he swallowed with a bright nod. "I just installed three tires and fixed an engine in the past week. You should have heard her purr when I started her up." Tom nodded, picturing the sound of a perfect engine. "How is yours?"

"Well," Tom said, savoring the taste of the plain food. He'd missed this atmosphere more than he'd even realized. "I washed a great looking one the other day. We should be able to sell her for a good price. I hope to be able to get back there again soon." He loved being able to help the tenants at Downton Abbey by working with Mary, but nothing was more relaxing than just listening to the sound of motor engines and caressing the hood of a motor.

"Ah, yes so you are still working with Lady Mary at Downton as well?" There was a bit of an edge in Kieran's voice that hadn't appeared since this evening had begun. He took a swig of his ale.

Tom sighed, wishing Kieran wasn't so good at reading subtext. This wasn't an easy subject to discuss with his Irish family at the best of times, and his friction with Lord Grantham only made it worse. He took a swig of his own beer. "Yes, Kieran, but as I've written to you, I'm not certain being close to them is best anymore. Could we not talk about that on Sybbie's birthday?"

Kieran grinned and turned to his goddaughter. "So, what have you been up to Sybbie? Any beaux yet?" he said with a smirk, as if he knew that question would irritate Tom just as much as his last question.

An image of strange men with their hands all over Tom's little girl at the ball Lord Grantham was planning for Sybbie appeared in his head before he could stop it. Despite Lord Grantham's plans, Tom was still hoping Sybbie might change her mind about the presentation, and the image of strange men dancing with her was only one of the reasons.

Sybbie laughed as she stabbed a piece of lamb cutlet. She appeared so comfortable in the Grantham Arms and talking to her uncle, Tom wondered if it might not be unrealistic that she would change her mind about the presentation. "No, Uncle Kieran, I'm afraid no boys have caught my eye yet." Thank goodness, Tom thought to himself as his mouth filled with the comforting taste of roast potato and peas.

"I spend most of my free time reading," she said. "Everything from newspapers – both Irish and English – to folktales, to books." Her bright blue eyes sparkled with delight as she talked about her favorite subject. "I just finished Utopia and Jane Eyre. And I've decided I'm going to go to school next year to become a teacher, so I can help young people learn." Tom and Lucy exchanged a smile at that, remembering what a caring soul their Sybbie was.

"Your smart, just like your Da, I see," Kieran said with a nod, and Tom's heart swelled with even more pride.

Sybbie shrugged as she swallowed a piece of lamb. "I suppose. Perhaps I'll get a position near you in Liverpool, Uncle Kieran."

"Do you think people will accept a half-Irish woman as a teacher, though?" said Kieran, his causal voice sounding as if he had no idea, he'd just dropped a firebomb on their table. Then he took another squig of ale, as if there were nothing wrong.

"Why would they?" said Sybbie, her sweet eyes reminding Tom of when she had been only a toddler and her innocent question proving how young she still was. And Tom needed to keep her that way. He couldn't explain how cruel the world could be to his daughter; it was the one thing he and Lord Grantham had always agreed, that Sybbie should be protected at all costs.

"Kieran, shut your mouth," Tom said, shaking his head.

His older brother's mouth dropped open for a moment as he stared at both Tom and Sybbie. "I see Tommy hasn't told you that some English people don't treat us very well. I'm tolerated because a garage is a 'working-class occupation,' but teaching isn't. Those that attend village schools where most teachers get jobs these days can be particularly negative. Something about liking there to be someone lower than working-class English."

Sybbie's own mouth dropped in shock as her uncle revealed the truth Tom had been trying to protect her from since the day she was born. Lucy's eyes appeared hurt as well, although whether she was hurt on Sybbie's behalf or because she felt judged because of her father's working-class English background, Tom wasn't certain.

Probably a bit of both. Either way, Tom couldn't let that stand.

"Kieran, I mean it," Tom said, almost shouting this time. "Stop it. This is supposed to be Sybbie's birthday celebration."

Kieran shook his head. "Fine, but you aren't doing Sybbie any favors by sheltering her so much." With that, he dug into his roast potatoes again, as if they would solve everything. Tom took a bite of his own, but they didn't taste as comforting as they did ten minutes ago. And the Yorkshire accents in the background seemed especially prominent.

What had happened to his plans for Sybbie's birthday?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOO

Everything was going perfectly with Robert's plans for Sybbie's seventeenth birthday, and Robert hoped it was a preview of her much larger party next year, which would include her coming out ball.

Mary, Henry, Caroline, and even George, who was home from Eton for the summer, gathered in the library. . Edith and Bertie were also here for the next few days along with Marigold and Peter. The afternoon light shimmered through the windows, showing the cake well. At the foot of the table was a small collection of presents.

Cora looked especially beautiful, even though she only wore a simple blue day dress. "You did a lovely job preparing this party, as always, darling," he said into her ear. After all, she had prepared the menus, designed the seating charts, and sent the invitations.

His wife gave him one of her endearing modest smiles in return. "It's for Sybbie." Robert kissed her gloved hand in response, marveling at her unselfishness.

And she'd done it all just after her own birthday. In the past, they'd hosted house parties or even balls for Cora's birthday. Other times, Robert had taken her to London. But this year, with all the festivities of the recent coronation and Sybbie's birthday, Robert had only had the servants set up the gramophone in her sitting room, knowing Cora's fondness for dancing with him.

She giggled and squeezed his hand in response to his touch.

"Mr. Branson, Mrs. Branson, Miss Sybbie, Miss Erin, and Master Patrick," Johnson said suddenly, and everyone turned to see the birthday girl enter.

She wore a deep pink, almost red dress that suited her dark hair and pale skin. It made Robert ache that she was just as beautiful as her mother at that age. "Hello, my Sybbie," he said, as his arms automatically wrapped around his oldest granddaughter.

"Donk!" Erin said as soon as they released, her seven-year-old hands squeezing Robert's waist. The children were too young for the dinner party later tonight, but Cora thought it would be fitting for them to come to the afternoon party, and Robert agreed.

"Hello, my darling," he said in return, while Sybbie greeted Cora and the rest of the family.

Patrick stared at Robert uncertainly behind his mother's legs for a moment. But after some encouragement from Lucy, the little boy came forward with a big smile as Robert picked him up. He adored that the boy had been named partially for both Patrick Crawley's as well as Tom's Irish family. "Hello, my boy. I hope you have a good time at your sister's birthday party."

Patrick, not one for talking much yet simply played with Robert's collar for a few moments, before he set the boy down.

"Hello, Lucy," Robert then said to her, as she clutched to that…Tom's arm.

Robert hadn't wished he could order the other man off his property in years, but in resent weeks he'd fantasized about doing just that. How could the man try to forbit Sybbie from having a presentation, especially when it was one, she clearly wanted, as Sybbie had recently told Robert firmly to submit her name no matter what her father said? What if they'd waited too long, and the committee denied her name, even with Robert's position as Lord Lieutenant?

Tom appeared no happier to see Robert, as the man almost grunted as they greeted each other.

Robert opened his mouth to say he wouldn't tolerate such rudeness in his house when Lucy steered Tom away to deposit their own gift while Cora met Robert's eyes and shook her head.

Cora was correct. This was Sybbie's birthday party, and she didn't need more shouting between her father and grandfather. But Tom made it so difficult.

"Here, darling," his wife said in her gentle way that always calmed him. "Have some tea and a bit of cake." She handed him a cup of tea, which had cream but no sugar, just as he liked it.

"What would I do without you, Cora?" he said as he sipped the soothing liquid, while the rest of the guests enjoyed their tea and cake as well.

She gazed at him, sipping her own tea. "No different than what I would without you."

They both paused and enjoyed their contented family they'd built over the years. Caroline and Marigold chatted away in the corner; Mary spoke to Sybbie as they nibbled on cake, Tom and Henry spoke much louder than they should have in the other corner, Edith and Bertie spoke to Lucy as they prepared their own tea, while Peter, Erin, and Patrick eyed the presents as if they couldn't wait to see what might be inside them.

Suddenly Sybbie huffed, as if frustrated with something, and marched towards Robert. "Donk, is it true that some English people don't approve of me just because of my Irish background?"

Robert almost dropped his teacup, he was so shocked. "Who told you that?" he said, almost bellowing across the entire library. A dark memory that Robert had kept buried for years of his reaction to Sybil's pregnancy burst free. "A Fenian grandchild?" he had said, horrified.

"Your father?" He said, back in the present. Robert liked to think he knew Tom better than to think he would disregard Sybbie's well-being like that. Over the years, protecting her from such dishonorable thinking had been their top priority but recent weeks had shown Robert that he didn't know Tom at all anymore.

Tom jumped to his feet, ignoring Lucy's protest. "No, of course not, Lord Grantham. I – "

At the same time, Sybbie shook her head sharply. "Of course not; if it is one thing you both agree on, it is that I need to be sheltered all the time. But I'm not a child anymore, and if some people judge me because of my background, I should be prepared for it. So, is it true?" He blue eyes flashed with fire, as Sybil had always done when she was cross.

Robert sighed, feeling his own library close in on him despite Cora's presence. "Yes, I'm afraid a few might." Sybbie's hand flew, just as Sybil had once done when Robert had argued with her over attending the vote-count. Then Sybbie huffed and turned around, as if Robert had judged her himself today. "Sybbie – " he said, wishing desperately to wrap her in another hug. How could he have ever thought of such a thing about his little Sybbie?

"Shhhhh darling, calm down, and let her go for now," Cora said into his ear. "She will forgive you soon enough." Robert clung to his wife's words like a lifeline. Of course, she would, he told himself. She had a merciful heart, just like her mother. And even more like her granny, he thought as Robert remembered all of the times he hadn't deserved his wife's forgiveness as Cora enveloped him into her own hug.

OOOOOOOOOO

Robert clung to Cora's words and the memory of her hug as they all finished their tea and Sybbie began opening her gifts. The younger children cheered as the packages were unwrapped. Edith and Bertie gave Sybbie a summer hat, appropriate for strolling in the gardens or when visiting London.

The rest of the family admired the hat, and Sybbie thanked her aunt and uncle with a bright smile, but Robert couldn't. The memory of his reaction to Sybil's pregnancy and Sybbie's reaction to her pointed question caused him to feel uncomfortable. Were it not for Cora's presence beside him and her words of encouragement earlier, he knew he would lash out, as he often did when he was uncomfortable.

Mary and Henry gave Sybbie a nice pair of shoes, and once again everyone admired them and Sybbie thanked her aunt and uncle with a bright smile.

Now Sybbie opened the gift he and Cora chose. Robert's body tensed even more. She pulled out a small bottle of liquid. "Roses were your mother's favorite flowers, so we thought you would like a rose scented perfume," Cora said sweetly.

Robert nodded. A lady should have her own scent. Leaning closer, he inhaled the comforting scent of Cora's jasmine perfume.

Meanwhile, Sybbie studied the bottle for a moment before her blue eyes sparkled. "I love it! Thank you Granny. Thank you, Donk." With that she wrapped them both in a warm hug. And all Robert's discomfort melted. Cora had been right, of course. His Sybbie would never stay cross.

But then Sybbie opened her last gift, from Tom and Lucy. It was a book, and Robert's first instinct was to say she didn't need it, as she had access to Downton's library, which he was proud to say was very impressive. But then he saw the title. Poetic Recollections of Irish History. Downton's library had nothing like that.

And Sybbie clearly adored that present best of all, as she hugged both Tom and Lucy in delight, and gushed about how exciting the book appeared, even peeking inside a few times. She truly did love learning. "Thank you! The more I study; the more prepared I will be to become a teacher."

And Robert was suddenly uncomfortable again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Robert was still uncomfortable as he dressed for dinner that evening. Could his little Sybbie truly plan on going to school to become a teacher? What might happen to her if she did that? His stomach tensed at all that happened to Sybil because she had decided to become a nurse.

"What are we going to do about Sybbie?" Robert said as he entered Cora's room with a sigh. "She cannot seriously be considering becoming a teacher!"

"Don't worry about that right now," his wife said. Cora then turned around and Robert stopped, gazing at the magnificence before him. Denker was a good dresser, if nothing else. Cora wore a beautiful sparkly silver evening gown and diamond earrings. Along with her tiara, they only made her grey hair appear more lovely. "Can we just celebrate the rest of her birthday with a nice dinner?"

"Oh, Cora," Robert said in awe. He kissed her softly, the scent of jasmine comforting him again. "Let's go to dinner."