Chapter Text
The Spanish Flu had finally made it's way through the Downton Abbey estate, with it's surviving victims slowly recovering. Cora Crawley being one of them.
It had been three long months and yet Cora still would get into violent coughing fits that ravaged her throughout the night. But nonetheless, things moved fast at the Downton household. Mary and Edith were preparing to go to Sybil's wedding to the chauffeur. To Tom Branson.
Despite knowing their sister loved this man deeply, still Mary and Edith had shared questionable glances when Sybil had announced after Lavinia Swire's funeral that, with Robert's unenthusiastic blessing, in a short time she'd be a married woman.
Mary instructed her lady's maid, Anna, to pack a red ensemble with matching jewelry. Just because she was going to Ireland, didn't mean she couldn't look her best.
As Anna carefully packed the red ensemble into Mary's trunk, Edith entered the room, looking a bit frazzled. "Mary, have you seen my blue hat? I specifically asked Anna to pack it, but it seems to have gone missing."
Mary rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Edith, you're not going to a fashion show. It's Sybil's wedding, not a society event."
Edith shot her a withering look. "I still want to look my best. Besides, Tom's family will be there. I don't want to give them the wrong impression."
Mary raised an eyebrow. "And what impression would that be, exactly?"
Edith hesitated, looking a bit sheepish. "I don't know...that we're not completely opposed to Sybil's marriage, I suppose."
Mary sighed, shaking her head. "Edith, we're going to support Sybil, no matter what. That's what family does."
Just then, Anna spoke up from the corner of the room. "Shall I pack your jewelry, milady? You'll want to look your best for the wedding."
Mary nodded, smiling. "Yes, please do. And make sure to include my pearls. I want to make a good impression."
･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
Robert stood in the foyer, his eyes fixed on Mary and Edith as they prepared to depart for Sybil's wedding. He cleared his throat, his expression stern.
"Well, girls, off you go. I suppose it's too much to hope that Sybil will come to her senses and realize she's making a terrible mistake."
Mary and Edith exchanged a glance, their faces neutral. Robert continued, his voice dripping with disdain.
"I still can't believe she's throwing herself away on that...that...Irishman. Branson, indeed. I still have no doubt he's only after her money and title."
Edith spoke up, her voice gentle. "Papa, Sybil loves Tom. And he loves her. That's all that matters."
Robert snorted. "Love? Ha! Sybil's being foolish and impulsive, as usual. Mark my words, this marriage will be a disaster."
Mary rolled her eyes, her expression exasperated. "Papa, please. We're just going to support Sybil on her special day. Can't we just be happy for her?"
Robert's face turned red with indignation. "Happy for her? You should be worried for her, Mary. Worried for the future of our family and our name."
Edith placed a hand on Robert's arm, her voice soothing. "Papa, it's going to be all right. Sybil will be happy, and that's all that matters."
Robert shook his head, his expression unyielding. "I fear for the future, girls. I truly do."
Robert's expression remained stern as he escorted Mary and Edith to the front door. "Very well, off you go. I suppose I'll have to content myself with the knowledge that at least two of my daughters have some sense."
As they stepped out into the crisp morning air, Robert's eyes narrowed at the sight of the two cars waiting to take the girls to the train station. "I've arranged for the Daimler to take you to the station," he said, his voice a bit softer now that they were outside.
Mary smiled and kissed her father's cheek. "Thank you, Papa. We'll be fine."
Edith followed suit, her kiss a bit more perfunctory. "Yes, thank you, Papa."
As they moved towards the cars, Robert called out after them. "Don't forget to tell us when you arrive! And don't let Sybil get too carried away with her...new husband."
Mary and Edith exchanged a glance, their faces amused. They knew their father would never fully approve of Sybil's marriage to Tom, but they also knew that deep down, he loved his daughter and wanted her to be happy.
As they drove away from the grand estate they called home, Mary turned to Edith with a mischievous grin. "I do hope Sybil's wedding is everything she's dreamed of. Despite Papa's disapproval."
Edith smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "I'm sure it will be, Mary. After all, Sybil's always been one to follow her heart."
･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
As the train rumbled into the station, Mary and Edith gathered their belongings and prepared to disembark. The Irish countryside had been a blur of green hills and sparkling lakes as they traveled from Dublin to the small town where Sybil's wedding was to take place.
As they stepped off the train, Mary and Edith were greeted by a crisp breeze and the sound of seagulls crying overhead. They looked around, taking in the quaint station house and the bustling town beyond.
"Ah, Dublin," Edith breathed, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's just as beautiful as Sybil said."
Mary smiled, her eyes scanning the platform. "And there's Tom, waiting for us."
Tom Branson, Sybil's fiancé, was standing on the platform, a wide smile on his face. He was dressed in a simple brown tweed suit, his eyes shining with happiness as he greeted the sisters.
"Mary, Edith, it's so good to see you again," he said, shaking their hands warmly. "I'm glad you could make it."
Mary and Edith exchanged a glance, their faces smiling. Despite their father's reservations, they were determined to support Sybil and welcome Tom into their family.
"We wouldn't have missed it for the world," Mary said, her voice sincere.
Tom smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know Sybil will be thrilled to see you. Shall we get your bags and head to the hotel?"
As they made their way to the hotel, Mary and Edith couldn't help but notice the charming Irish town. The streets were lined with quaint shops and pubs, and the sound of traditional music drifted through the air.
Tom noticed their interest and smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying the town," he said. "Sybil and I are thinking of settling here after the wedding."
Edith raised an eyebrow. "Really? I wouldn't have thought you'd want to leave England permanently."
Tom's expression turned serious. "I want to build a life with Sybil, and Ireland is where my heart is. Besides, I think it will be good for us to start fresh, away from the...complications of England."
Mary gave Edith a scolding glance and nodded thoughtfully. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Tom. You and Sybil deserve all the happiness in the world."
When they arrived at the hotel, Sybil herself came running out to greet them, a huge smile on her face. "Mary! Edith! I'm so glad you're here!"
The sisters were swept up in a flurry of hugs and kisses as Sybil exclaimed over their dresses and hair. Tom watched with a happy smile, feeling grateful for the love and support of Sybil's family.
When they entered the hotel, Mary turned to Edith with a whispered comment. "Sybil looks absolutely radiant, doesn't she?"
Edith nodded in agreement. "She's glowing. I've never seen her so happy."
Mary smiled, feeling a sense of joy for her sister. "I'm so glad we're here to celebrate with her."
･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
As the morning sun streamed through the windows of the hotel room, Sybil stood before the mirror, her eyes shining with excitement. Mary and Edith flitted around her, making final adjustments to her hair and veil.
Sybil's wedding dress was a vision of simplicity and elegance, with intricate lace details and a small flowing train. The sisters had helped her into the dress earlier, and now they were adding the finishing touches to her dark hair.
Mary gently tucked a stray strand behind Sybil's ear, while Edith adjusted the delicate veil that framed her face. Sybil's eyes met theirs in the mirror, and she smiled, her face radiant with happiness.
Just then, the door opened, and a woman with a kind face and a warm smile entered the room. "Ah, Sybil, me dear, you look absolutely stunning," she exclaimed, her Irish brogue musical.
Sybil turned, her eyes lighting up. "Mam, I'm so glad you're here!"
Mary and Edith exchanged a curious glance. This must be Tom's mother, they realized. They had heard so much about her, but this was their first meeting.
Tom's mother, Mrs. Branson, smiled warmly at the sisters. "And you must be Mary and Edith. I've heard so much about you both. It's lovely to finally meet you."
Mary and Edith returned her smile, feeling a little shy but also curious about this woman who had raised the man their sister was about to marry.
Mrs. Branson's eyes twinkled as she examined Sybil's hair and veil. "Ah, you've done a lovely job, girls, but let me just add a wee touch." She gently adjusted a stray strand of hair, her hands deft and sure.
Mary and Edith watched as Mrs. Branson worked her magic, adding a few subtle touches that made Sybil's overall look even more radiant.
"There, me dear, you're perfect," Mrs. Branson said, stepping back to admire Sybil.
Sybil's eyes shone with happiness as she gazed at her reflection. "Thank you, Mrs. Branson. You're a genius."
Mrs. Branson chuckled, her eyes warm with affection. "Ah, it's just a wee bit of motherly love, me dear."
As they finished the final touches, the sound of a motorcar outside signaled that it was time to leave for the church. Mary and Edith helped Sybil into her coat, and Mrs. Branson handed her a small bouquet of white flowers.
"It's time, me dear," Mrs. Branson said, smiling. "Let's get you married."
With a final glance at her reflection, Sybil took a deep breath, smiled at her sisters and Mrs. Branson, and headed out the door, ready to start her new life with Tom.
･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
The small Catholic church was filled with the warm scent of candles and the soft murmur of the congregation. Sybil stood at the entrance, her eyes shining with happiness as she gazed down the aisle.
Mary, resplendent in her red ensemble, stood beside her, offering a supportive smile. As they prepared to walk down the aisle, Sybil's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. Robert's absence was deeply felt, and Sybil had asked Mary to escort her down the aisle in his place.
With a gentle squeeze of her arm, Mary nodded, and together they began their slow procession down the aisle. The congregation of a few relatives turned to watch, their faces filled with smiles and warmth.
As they reached the altar, Tom turned to face them, his eyes locking onto Sybil's with adoration. The priest cleared his throat, and the ceremony began, the soft cadence of his voice weaving a spell of love and commitment over the assembled crowd.
As the ceremony progressed, Sybil's voice trembled with emotion as she repeated her vows. Tom's voice was steady and strong, his eyes never leaving Sybil's face.
Mary and Edith exchanged a glance, their eyes glistening with happy tears. They had always known that Sybil was a romantic at heart, and it was clear that maybe she had found her soulmate in Branson, after all.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, the congregation erupted into applause. Tom and Sybil shared a tender kiss, their faces radiant with happiness.
Mary and Edith rushed forward to hug their sister, tears of joy streaming down their faces. "Congratulations, Sybil!" Mary exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion.
Edith nodded in agreement. "You look absolutely radiant, Sybil. We're so happy for you."
As they hugged their sister, Tom's mother, Mrs. Branson, beamed with pride, her eyes shining with happy tears. It was clear that she had welcomed Sybil into their family with open arms.
･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.
Tom and Sybil had rented a section of a local pub for their reception. Only Mary, Edith, and Mrs. Branson were their guests as Tom's other family members left right after the ceremony.
The pub's private room was cozy and intimate, the warm glow of candles and the crackle of the fireplace creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tom and Sybil's small wedding party had gathered around a beautifully decorated table, laden with a stunning wedding cake, steaming plates of Irish delicacies, and glasses of champagne.
As they sat down to eat, Mary turned to Mrs. Branson with a curious smile. "Mrs. Branson, tell us more about Tom's childhood. What was he like growing up?"
Mrs. Branson's face lit up with a warm smile. "Oh, Tom was always a curious and adventurous lad. He had a heart full of love and a mind full of wonder." She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "And he was always getting into mischief, much to his poor father's dismay."
Edith laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I can just imagine. Tom always did have a bit of a rebellious streak."
Sybil playfully rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement."
As they continued to chat and laugh, Tom stood up, his glass raised. "To my beautiful bride, Sybil. May our love continue to grow and flourish with each passing day."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Tom and Sybil. Mary, Edith, and Mrs. Branson smiled, their faces shining with happiness, as Sybil's eyes met Tom's, filled with love and adoration.
"To Sybil," they echoed, their voices filled with warmth and affection, as they raised their glasses in a toast to the happy couple.