Billy had agreed to stay at Downton with Sybil so that their child could be born in the house and so she doesn't have to travel as much to see her family while so heavily pregnant. Emma is ecstatic when she finds out.
It is rather convenient as only a week after the arrangement is made Emma is awoken to find out that Sybil is having pains which means she may or may not start giving birth at any moment. The young woman has never gotten up so fast. Tom chuckles at his wife as she rushes to Sybil's room.
Emma stands with Sybil's mother and sisters as Dr Clarkson checks on her.
"The pains have stopped. Nothing will happen yet." Dr Clarkson tells them. They then join the men waiting in the Hall.
"Everything is fine." Dr Clarkson tells them. Billy sighs with relief.
"You mean it was a false alarm?" Lord Grantham states.
"Not exactly." Dr Clarkson replies. "These early labour pains show that the womb is preparing itself for birth." Lord Grantham pulls a face at his words.
"Dr Clarkson, I'm afraid Lord Grantham doesn't enjoy medical detail." His wife remarks. "The point is, can we all go back to bed?"
"You can." Dr Clarkson tells them. "And so can I."
"I'll see you out," Mary says.
"Sir Philip Tapsell will be here tomorrow." Lord Grantham says.
Dr Clarkson seems slightly offended by his statement. "Of course. If you think it advisable."
"There really is nothing wrong?" Billy asks him.
"Nothing at all." Dr Clarkson reassures. "She is a healthy young woman going through a very normal and natural process."
—
Emma wakes the next morning and soon after breakfast, she is sat with Sybil and Mary.
"I'm the size of a house. My back hurts, my ankles are swelling, and my head aches. Honestly, I cannot recommend this to anyone." Sybil complains.
"I could've told you that." Emma quips, smiling.
"I am listening, but of course, I'm dying to start one of my own," Mary responds.
Sybil looks up at her eldest sister. "So, you're not waiting?"
"Waiting for what?"
"I don't know, but I did wonder."
"Well, there's no need to worry about that just yet," Emma says. She knows there's more than enough time for Mary and Matthew before there's need for any worry. "Though I can tell you all this talk of babies make me think of the christening and how glad I am that Ivy was baptised in Dublin and not Downton. Can you imagine?"
"Blimey," Mary says. "But it was what you wanted and not Tom's?"
"Oh, I didn't mind. And I love Tom so very, very much." Emma replies.
"Billy doesn't care how we baptise the baby, as long as I'm happy. He is giving me complete control. He probably feels bad because I'm exhausted and in pain." Sybil explains.
Emma laughs. "That's Billy."
Sybil chuckles. Both Mary and Emma can tell she needs to sleep some more.
Mary stands. "We'll let you rest."
—
"Quite a few of the cottages have been renovated," Matthew says as he, Mary, Emma and Tom take a walk around the grounds.
"Thanks to you." Mary compliments.
"Maybe a little thanks to me," Matthew replies.
"Many of the farms seem abandoned," Tom says.
"It is because many of them have been left entirely to their own devices," Matthew explains. "Coulter hasn't farmed this properly for 20 years. He struggles to pay the rent, which is too low anyway. There's been no... investment."
"Papa would say you can't abandon people just because they grow old," Mary says.
"I agree, but it would be cheaper to give him a free cottage and work this land as it should be worked," Matthew argues.
"That makes sense but you don't think Lord Grantham understands that?" Tom asks.
"Maybe he harks back to a time when money was abundant," Matthew complains. "There wasn't much need to keep on top of it. I think he equates being business-like with being mean. Or worse, middle-class like me."
"Being middle class means you actually have some business skills," Emma remarks. Mary gives her a reprimanding look, which would have been effective if it weren't for the smile on her face.
"Well, the middle classes have their virtues, and husbandry is one," Matthew says.
"We ought to get back," Mary tells them. "Sir Philip thingy's due on the seven o'clock train. Mathew and Tom ought to be there to hold Billy's hand."
"Poor fellow. He's so terrified, and so thrilled at the same time. As I would be. As I WILL be." Matthew says. Emma sees that Mary looks uncomfortable.
—
The last thing that Emma wants to do is sit around at dinner while Sybil could give birth at any moment, but alas, she is sitting at dinner with Sir Philip.
"The dear Duchess of Truro is full of your praises, Sir Philip. Then, of course, you know that." The Dowager compliments from between Lord Grantham and Billy. On Billy's right is Matthew then Emma then Lady Grantham, Sir Philip, Mary, Tom and Edith.
"She had quite a time when she was first married, but I said to her, 'Never fear, Duchess, I'll get a baby out of you one way or another'." He replies, causing Lord Grantham to choke on his drink. Emma chuckles at this, holding her drink over her mouth to hide her laughter.
"And so you did." The Dowager continues to cover up her son's faux pas.
"Three boys, and as a result, a secure dynasty, I'm glad to say." Emma rolls her eyes. Does this man honestly believe he can control the sex of a baby?
Emma notices Matthew staring at Mary during this statement. She realises then that Mathew must be thinking about the lack of pregnancy in their marriage as well.
"But you see no complications here?" Lord Grantham asks.
"None at all. Lady Sybil is a perfect model of health and beauty."
"We told our local doctor we'd send a message to him when it looks as if the baby's coming." Lady Grantham says.
"Dr Clarkson has known us all since we were girls," Mary explains.
"Yet what's needed here, Lady Mary, is a knowledge of childbirth, nothing more." Sir Philip corrects, which Emma frowns at. "But if it soothes you, then of course. He's most welcome."
—
Emma misses breakfast downstairs the next morning and has it in bed as Ivy had been particularly fussy and wouldn't settle.
When Emma comes downstairs, she meets with a mildly excited Edith.
"Edith? What is it?"
"The editor of The Sketch wants me to write for him. He saw my letter to The Times, and wants to give me a regular column." Edith explains.
Emma's eyes widen. "This is amazing! What would it be about?"
"I can write about whatever I like but papa only thinks they want my name and title and nothing else," Edith says sadly.
"Well, he's wrong," Emma argues. "The editor has seen what you have to say and is interested in more, I'm sure that's all it is."
"I hope you're right," Edith says.
—
Emma is further uplifted by the news that Anna may have found the evidence needed to prove Mr Bates' innocence from his ex-wife's friend.
Mary, Emma and Edith make their way downstairs before dinner.
"Gemma says Daisy is being harsh to the Kitchen maid, Ivy." Emma is saying to the two sisters.
"I honestly find it funny that your daughter and the new Kitchen maid have the same last name." Mary chuckles.
"It's a nice name!" Emma defends.
"Even so, I hope it resolves itself," Edith says. They meet Billy at the bottom of the stairs.
"Are we the first down? How is Sybil?" Mary asks him.
"Sleeping, thank God. She's been restless all afternoon. I don't think it'll be long now." Billy replies anxiously.
"I'm sorry it couldn't have been in Southampton," Emma says.
"We know how much it meant," Edith adds.
"Nothing means more than she does." They smile at his words and head towards the Drawing room.
—
"And you're sure you have everything you need?" Lord Grantham is asking as they enter.
"Quite sure." Sir Philip answers. Emma notices the Dowager has joined them for dinner. Lord Grantham, Matthew and Sir Philip had been in a huddle but split when Emma, Mary, Edith and Billy walk in. Emma quickly walks over to stand with Tom, who's standing next to where Lady Grantham sits.
"Hello, Granny. You're here. How nice." Edith greets her grandmother with a kiss on the cheek before sitting on the settee next to her.
"Your grandmother will be with us every night until the baby's born." Lady Grantham explains.
"I hate to get news second-hand." The woman remarks.
"Well, you won't have long to wait." Sir Philip says.
"I thought I'd bring up Dr Clarkson after we've eaten." Lady Grantham says to her husband, who immediately looks uncomfortable. Emma can't help but wonder what he's done.
"Yes, I've been talking to Lord Grantham about the good doctor." Sir Philip says. Emma doesn't like his tone.
"Sir Philip feels the room would be too crowded. It might be better to leave old Clarkson out of it for the time being." Lord Grantham explains.
"But I said I'd telephone." Lady Grantham says.
"Well, it really isn't necessary." Sir Philip argues.
"I've given him my word." Lady Grantham insists, looking challengingly at her husband.
"Why don't I run down in the car after dinner, and fetch him?" Edith suggests to diffuse the conversation.
—
Emma, Edith, the Dowager, Lord Grantham, Mary, Tom, Billy, Sir Philip, Lady Grantham and Matthew all sit tensely and quietly at dinner.
Emma frowns when she sees Jimmy and Alfred walk in as the former seems to be acting as the first footman despite only being second. She can see Mr Carson looks displeased but doesn't say anything as Jimmy leans down to serve.
Lady Grantham sighs. "There's nothing more tiring than waiting for something to happen." Billy lets out a small smile but still looks anxious.
"Edith, have you written back to your editor yet?" Matthew asks across Emma to Edith.
"What's this?" The Dowager asks.
"Edith has had an invitation to write a newspaper column," Matthew explains.
"When may she expect an offer to appear on the London stage?" The Dowager remarks.
Edith sighs and turns to Matthew. "See?" Clearly, Edith has told Matthew all about the lack of faith the family often shows.
Suddenly the door opens and the Nurse who's been staying with Sybil walks in. The family stands.
"Oh, God, is it beginning?" Billy asks. Sir Philip simply smiles and guides the expectant father out of the room.
—
Dinner is suspended and Dr Clarkson arrives. He checks on Sybil before reporting to them all, except Billy, in the Library.
"What do you mean, 'concerned'?" Lord Grantham asks.
"Lady Sybil's ankles are swollen. She seems... muddled." Dr Clarkson explains.
"What sort of muddled?" Lady Grantham asks.
"Not quite there, not quite in the present moment."
"And what do you think it means?" Mary asks.
"It means she's having a baby." Sir Philip declares. Lord Grantham chuckles.
"A word, Dr Clarkson." Sir Philip says.
"Excuse me." The two doctors walk out of the room.
"Sir Philip mustn't bully him into silence." Lady Grantham warns.
Lord Grantham sits down. "My dear, this is just Clarkson's professional pride, like barbers asking who last cut your hair. They always want to be better than any other practitioner." Emma frowns at his words.
"Surely it's more than that and we must listen to what he has to say." Emma points out.
"I quite agree." The Dowager says.
"I don't want to hurt Sir Philip's feelings."
"If there's one thing that I'm quite indifferent to it's Sir Philip Tapsell's feelings." His mother retorts.
—
Emma and Lady Grantham share Dr Clarkson's concerns and go with him to Sybil and Billy's room.
"Now what?" Sir Philip huffs when they enter. Anna is following after them with a glass of warm milk for Sybil.
"I want to test the latest sample of her urine." Dr Clarkson says.
"Oh, for Heaven's sake."
"Just give the order to the Nurse, please, Sir Philip." Lady Grantham says. Sir Philip reluctantly does so. Dr Clarkson, with Emma and Lady Grantham trailing after him, goes to the bed where Sybil sits and Billy sits in the bed next to her, holding her hand. Emma takes in the sight of the trembling and sweating woman on the bed.
"How's the young mother doing?" Dr Clarkson asks Sybil.
"Am I on duty, Dr Clarkson?" Sybil suddenly asks.
"What?" Dr Clarkson is taken aback and Emma can't blame him. This just confirms that Sybil is muddled.
Sybil begins to shake her head. "Only I swear I'm not on duty, otherwise I wouldn't be lying here."
"No. No, you're not on duty." Doctor Clarkson reassures.
Emma looks to Lady Grantham, worry etched onto her face.
Sybil grasps Emma's hand. "Emma, can you cover me, please? I shouldn't be on duty." She pleads.
"Um, yes, of course," Emma replies. Sybil moans and hyperventilates.
—
"It's my belief that Lady Sybil is at risk of eclampsia." Dr Clarkson tells them all with the exception of Billy and Sybil.
"What is that?" Lord Grantham asks Sir Philip. Emma can't help but feel irritated by his exclusion of Dr Clarkson.
"A rare condition from which she is NOT suffering." Sir Philip corrects.
"Tell him why you think she may be." Lady Grantham urges.
"Her baby is small, she is confused, and there is far too much albumen that is, protein in her urine." Dr Clarkson explains.
"Dr Clarkson, please! Have you forgotten my mother is present?" Lord Grantham complains.
"Please. A woman of my age can face reality far better than most men." His mother remarks.
"The fact remains, if I am right, we must act at once." Dr Clarkson declares.
"And do what?" Mary asks.
"Get her down to the Hospital, and deliver the child by Caesarean section."
"But is that safe?" Emma questions. She had heard that in this time period c-sections were not as safe as they will be in her time.
"It is the opposite of safe." Sir Philip answers. "It would expose mother and child to untold danger. She could pick up any kind of infection in a public Hospital."
"An immediate delivery is the only chance of avoiding the fits brought on by the trauma of natural birth! It may not work, but–"
"Honesty at last." Sir Philip interrupts. "Even if she were at risk from eclampsia, which she is NOT, a caesarean is a gamble which might kill either or both of them."
Lord Grantham rubs his forehead, stressed. "I think we must support Sir Philip in this."
"But it's not our decision," Mary argues. "What does Billy say?"
"Billy has not hired Sir Philip." Her father counters. "He is not master here, and I will not put Sybil at risk on a whim. If you are sure, Sir Philip?"
"I am quite, quite certain." Sir Philip replies.
"You're being ridiculous. Obviously, we have to talk to Billy." Lady Grantham argues.
Lord Grantham looks to his mother, who retorts, "Don't look at me. Cora is right. The decision lies with the ship builder."
—
"Could we get her to the Hospital?" Billy asks as they stand in the Upper corridor. They had just explained to him what is happening.
"To move her would be tantamount to murder." Sir Philip argues.
"Sir Philip, admit you're beginning to detect the symptoms yourself." Dr Clarkson counters. "You can see her distress!"
"Can you?" Lady Grantham asks.
"Yes, Lady Sybil is in distress. She's about to give birth." Emma rubs her forehead, her irritation with this man is giving her a headache.
Dr Clarkson turns his begging elsewhere. "Lord Grantham, Mr Prior, time is running out. We'd be at the Hospital by now if we'd acted at once. The baby would be born."
"If she has the operation now, do you swear you can save her?" Billy asks.
"I cannot swear it, no." Dr Clarkson admits. "But if we do not operate, and I am right about her condition, then she will die."
"If, if!" Sir Philip complains. "Lord Grantham, can you please take command?"
"Billy, Dr Clarkson is not sure he can save her. Sir Philip is certain he can bring her through it with a living child." Lord Grantham argues. "Isn't a certainty stronger than a doubt?"
"Robert, I don't mean to insult Sir Philip, but Dr Clarkson knows Sybil. He's known her all her life." His wife begs.
"So, you'd take her to the Hospital?" Billy asks his mother-in-law.
"I would've taken her an hour ago!" Sybil screams in the distance.
"God help us!" Billy mutters. The screams continue. Emma runs to Sybil's room with Billy, Mary, Edith and Lady Grantham following.
—
Lots of screaming later, Sybil finally gives birth to a baby girl.
Sybil smiles at her daughter, cradling her. "Oh, Emma." She murmurs. "Our daughters are the same age."
"I'm sure they'll be very close," Emma replies with a warm smile. "Someone needs to tell Billy."
"I'll do it," Mary says and hurries out of the room.
Billy soon returns and embraces his wife and child.
—
"Congratulations," Matthew says to Billy, patting him on the shoulder, as they join him, Lord Grantham and Tom in the Upper corridor.
"Thank you." Billy happily replies.
Lady Grantham is slower in coming out of the room. She happily grabs her husband's hands and gives him a kiss. "I'm sorry we doubted."
"No. As to that, Lady Grantham, it's always a good idea to forget most of what was said during the waiting time, and simply enjoy the result." Sir Philip cheerfully replies and shakes Lord Grantham's hand. Emma looks at Dr Clarkson, who doesn't look pleased and this makes her stomach twist uncomfortably.
"Is there anything more to be done?" Mary asks Sir Philip.
"Not really. The Nurse will stay with her, and so I suggest we all get some sleep, and meet again refreshed in the morning." Sir Philip answers.
—
The happiness doesn't last for long and in the night, the Nurse frantically wakes them up. Emma and Tom rush to Sybil's room with Edith and Matthew while Mary wakes her parents. Billy is already there with the doctors and stands beside Sybil, who is wincing in pain as she hyperventilates.
Mary joins them as Dr Clarkson checks on Sybil, who is trying to speak but it comes out all incoherently. Dr Clarkson moves away and Billy and Emma step forward.
"Can you hear me, darling? It's Billy." He says, attempting to soothe her.
"I need to be getting up."
"No, my darling."
"I need to—" Sybil begins crying.
"Darling, all you need to do is rest."
Sybil cries out in pain. "My head. Oh, my head! My head!" She hits her forehead repeatedly.
Emma strokes her head. "Sybil, calm down, let me bathe your forehead."
Mary passes her a wet cloth and she begins dabbing against Sybil's forehead, trying to soothe the woman. Sybil's head tilts backwards.
"It hurts! It hurts!"
"What's happening?" Lord Grantham demands when he and his wife enter. Sybil seems to begin choking as if having a seizure.
Emma shakes her, attempting to speak to her. "Sybil?" She cries.
"Oh, God. Oh, God! God, no, no!" Billy cries
"What the hell is happening? Sir Philip?" Lord Grantham demands to know.
"Sybil? She can't hear me. Sybil? Sybil, it's Mary. Can you hear me?" Mary desperately shakes her sister but she can't get through as Sybil seizes, her airways closing.
"It looks as if–" Sir Philip begins.
"It looks as if what?" Lady Grantham demands.
"This is eclampsia." Emma hears Dr Clarkson inform. Mary, Emma, Billy and Lady Grantham crowd around Sybil.
"Sybil. Sybil." Emma tries. "She can't hear us."
"Somebody do something!" Matthew yells from the end of the bed.
"The human life is unpredictable." Sir Philip defends. Emma wants to strangle the man.
"But you were so sure!" Lord Grantham insists.
"What can we do?" Tom asks.
"Help her, help her, please!" Billy shouts. Sybil hyperventilates and wheezes.
"Please," Emma screams. "Just breathe, Sybil, please."
"Oh, God, no!" Billy weeps.
"Dr Clarkson, shall we take her to the Hospital?" Edith asks.
"There's nothing that can be done." Dr Clarkson replies. Emma's stomach twists in knots.
"It's not possible, not these days!" Matthew retorts.
"Once the seizures have started, there's nothing to be done."
"But you don't agree with him do you, Sir Philip?" Lord Grantham insists but he doesn't get a reply.
"Please, don't leave me. Help her, help her, please! What's happening?!" Billy begs.
"She can't breathe," Mary says desperately.
"Please, please, just breathe." Billy cradles his wife's head as she tosses and turns.
"There has to be something worth trying!" Lord Grantham yells at the Doctors.
"Come on, come on, breathe, love," Billy begs.
"Come on, Sybil." Her mother encourages pleadingly.
"Breathe, love. Come on. Sybil? Listen, it's me, my darling. All you need to do is breathe." Billy continues. "What's happening? Please breathe, love! Please!"
"Please." Lady Grantham weeps.
Everyone is around Sybil, trying to help her but there is little to be done as she continues to seize. Emma watches as her skin turns a grey-blue.
"She can't breathe." Mary cries before taking in her sister's appearance and stepping back in shock.
"Sybil." Emma pleads. "Sybil, wake up, please."
There's a ringing in her ears, nothing is processing with her as she sees her best friend dead. Her best friend laying there dead because they hadn't listened to Dr Clarkson. She is gone. Emma feels as if someone has ripped out her heart.
"Please, love. No, no!" Billy continues.
"No, no…" Lady Grantham sobs.
"Please wake up. Please don't leave me." Billy begs, shaking his wife. "Please wake up, love. Please don't leave me! Please don't leave me, love!"
Doctor Clarkson leans over to take her pulse. He walks away, shaking his head. Lady Grantham and Billy continue sobbing and begging.
Emma sees Lord Grantham walk forward to look at his daughter. "But this can't be. She's 24 years old. This cannot be." Emma can't look at him right now.
Emma stands, sobbing. "She's dead, she's dead, she's dead." She whimpers as Tom holds her up. "Oh, God."
If he wasn't there, she would have fallen to the ground. Through her tears, Emma spots Mary watching her. Mary stares at her, tears in her eyes as she notices how much pain Emma is in. She takes a few steps towards her, embracing her as they cry.
The sound of crying comes from the direction of the Nursery. The baby.
—
The next morning Emma is back in Sybil's room, now dressed in black. Tom has joined her, not wanting her to be alone again. He stands behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders as he traces his thumbs in circles. Billy sits next to her by the bed and Mary sits on a chair in the corner.
"The men from Grassby's have arrived." Edith notifies as she enters the room.
Billy doesn't look away from Sybil. "To take her away?"
"Yes. And we must let them." Mary speaks up.
Billy moves away from the bed, not being able to watch them take her. Emma watches him solemnly. Mary stands up and walks forward with Edith following.
The eldest Crawley daughter leans over the youngest. "Goodbye, my darling." Mary gives Sybil's forehead a kiss. Edith does the same.
"She was the only person living who always thought you and I were such nice people," Mary murmurs.
"Oh, Mary..." Edith's voice cracks. "Do you think we might get along a little better in the future?"
"I doubt it," Mary replies. "But since this is the last time we three will all be together in this life, let's love each other now, as sisters should." The two sisters pull each other into a hug.
They step away and Emma walks over to Sybil. "I'll look after her don't worry. Our daughters will be the best of friends, just like you wanted, I promise." She murmurs before giving her a kiss on the forehead as well. She steps back and tries to hold back her sobs. She feels Tom wrapping an arm around and she clings to him.
They leave the room so that Billy can say goodbye to his wife alone.
—
They are gathered in the Drawing room. Isobel, Matthew, Tom, Lord and Lady Grantham, Edith, Mary and Emma. The men stand while the rest of them sit on the various pieces of furniture.
"Ah, Mama." Lord Grantham greets when his mother walks in. Edith and Mary stand to greet their grandmother.
"Oh, my dears." The Dowager says, brushing her hand over her daughter-in-law's shoulder before kissing the cheeks of her remaining granddaughters. To Emma, she seems frailer than usual.
"You'll be glad to know they've found a nurse for the baby. She is already here." Lord Grantham informs her.
"Good, good. Where's Billy?" The Dowager asks.
"He's upstairs. I've asked if he wants anything. He says no." Edith replies, sitting down next to Mary, who has already sat down.
"He wants his wife back, but that's what he can't have." Lady Grantham says, looking as if she's only just holding herself together, before standing. "I must write to Dr Clarkson and have it sent down before dinner." She turns to leave.
"Darling, there's no need for that." Her husband responds.
"I should. I want to." She says quickly. "I have to apologise for our behaviour."
"What? Why?" Mary questions.
"Because if we'd listened to him, Sybil might still be alive. But Sir Philip and your father knew better, and now she's dead." Her mother replies harshly. Emma honestly can't blame her for feeling this way.
"Why... Why did she say that?" The Dowager asks her son.
"Because there is some truth in it." He replies.
"My dear, when tragedies strike, we try to find someone to blame." His mother argues. "In the absence of a suitable candidate, we usually blame ourselves. You are not to blame. No-one is to blame. Our darling Sybil has died during childbirth, like too many women before her, and all we can do now..." she swallows thickly, "…is cherish her memory, and her child."
"Nevertheless, there is truth in it." He simply responds.
—
It had been a while since she had been to the Courtyard but Emma feels like she needs to be in a familiar setting.
"Well, this seems familiar." Emma hears someone say behind her. She turns to see Thomas standing behind her. She notes his red eyes and splotchy cheeks as if he's just been crying.
"Hi." Her voice is scratchy from her own crying. Thomas walks up to stand next to her. They stand quietly, looking at the stars.
"I miss the old days." Thomas then says. "You and me talking."
"Me too," Emma replies. "We don't see each other much these days, do we?"
"No, you had to go and get married. To Mr Branson." Emma snorts at the distaste in his voice.
"Well, I like him," Emma remarks. They chuckle before going quiet.
"How's the baby?" Thomas quietly asks, tentative.
Emma gives him a sad smile. "She's doing well. There's nothing wrong. Ivy seems interested in this new addition. I've moved Ivy into the Nursery so two of them have each other for company."
Thomas snorts. "It's funny your daughter has the same name as the new Kitchen maid."
Emma rolls her eyes. "In my defence, I named my daughter before this other Ivy turned up at Downton." They chuckle.
"Things are going to be different now," Emma says after a moment. "Who knows what's coming."
"We'll have to be ready," Thomas responds.
—
A/N: I had missed doing Thomas scenes, I wanted a call back to the old days.
Also, I'm so sorry.