Sorry for writing such a short chapter, but when inspiration doesn't behave, nothing can be done...I do hope she'll be kinder for next chapter...

-How was she?

They were in a pavillion, placed on the top of a hill, and which offered a breathtaking view of the house. It had been a long morning, greeting the tenants and wishing them the best for that new year. When they had finished that task, and before going back home, Tom had wanted Laura to see his favourite spot in the estate. It gave him peace, though it was also related to the worst moment in his life. After Sybil's death, he got used to go to that pavillion and cry for her. He hadn't been back for a long time, and it was the first time he wasn't alone.

-She was the sweetest,most caring person I've ever met. But she was also brave, and strong willed. She fought for everything she believed in, no matter what her family might think of it. She was an inspiration for everyone who met her-Tom's voice broke.

-I would have liked to meet her, and in some way I think I do, by the stories Edith told me about her. What she did for Gwen...not many people would have done something like that.

-That was her, yes. I only hope Sybbie has inherited a small amount of her force and her sweetness. Since she was born, I've talked her about her mother, even if it was so hard at the beginning...

Laura looked at Tom. He was there, but he was also lost in his own thoughts and memories, probably recalling the fateful events of the night when Sybbie was born.

-If only I had listened Doctor Clarkson...but, at that time, I still felt like an outsider to Sybil's family. I will regret for all my life not being stronger that night and insist on taking her to a hospital, even if I live for a hundred years. I still feel guilty for saying nothing.

-You don't...I think Sybil won't want that..

-I felt so helpless that night, and so useless. Seeing her there, fighting a battle that I knew she had lost...My only relief is hoping she knew I was there, holding her, and making her know she was not alone. It may sound awkward, but I keep asking her for advice every time I have to take some important decision concerning Sybbie.

-It is no awkward at all, it is another prove of the love you felt and feel still for her.

Tom smiled sadly.

-You know, it wasn't easy talking to the family about my feelings for Sybil. I do love and respect them, and now they all are my family as much as my natural one is. But my first times here were really hard. I had to deal with Sybil's loss, and besides that I felt out of place, although I must admit both Mary and Edith were always on my side, since the very beginning. And Matthew, he was also a big support. But Lord Grantham wasn't that understanding, to be true...I even thought they blamed me for Sybil's death. It took me more or less a year to feel I was actually a part of this familiy. And it's funny how I realised it, I had to thank the Dowager Countess, and her idea of me teaching Mary which ones would be her tasks as agent. It helped both of us, really...

They kept in silence for a while. Tom had a sad look in his eyes, as he always had when talking of Sybil.