A/N This is my first Sybil/Branson Fanfic so I hope this works out. I love Downton Abbey and Sybil and Branson have always been some of my favourite characters and I love their storyline. This is a possible futurefic set just after the Christmas special, so we have just discovered that Sybil is pregnant! Thank you for reading and any feedback – good or bad – is much appreciated. This first chapter is just an introduction, with a focus on Cora's reaction – the next part will focus heavily on Sybil/Branson.

Cora sat up in bed reading and re-reading Sybil's letter, she would never admit it to anyone, but secretly she was proud of Sybil. Yes, she had always dreamed that her daughters would marry rich, influential husbands; but at least she was happy. When Cora was pushed at a prominent English Earl, aged just 20 and she had hated every moment of her new life at Downton Abbey. Of course, once Robert and she had actually fallen in love everything fell into place and, obviously, the arrival of each of her daughters had only increased her joy. Nonetheless her life had not been and still was not perfect. Lady Grantham smiled; her rebellious streak (which Sybil had clearly inherited) had been something of a family joke in America, but after spending the last three decades stifling her wild side she actually enjoyed the breath of fresh air Sybil provided. Branson...no Tom, she reminded herself sternly, made Sybil happy – wasn't that, in the end, all that really mattered. The Crawley family had lived through a war and if no-one else had learnt their lesson the Countess of Grantham had. She smiled to herself; war had a funny way of making you see what's really important. It had taken Cora enough time to convince herself that Sybil was doing the right thing, never mind trying to reason with her stubborn husband and insufferable, interfering mother-in-law. Sighing, she tried to move Violet out of her mind; but with little success. Until recently, Violet and Cora had become, in the Dowager Countess' own words, allies – but no matter how useful it was, a mother's love could not stand by while her little girls were torn to pieces by the vulture-like old ladies, who could delicately sip tea from china cups while plotting how best to ruin unsullied reputations. Cora often tried to escape the drawing room when the silk gloves came off and the claws came out. How could those women just sit and pick at her daughters like that? Mary may be engaged, Sybil married and Edith being prepared for some potential suitor, but they were still her babies and she loved them with a fierce love only a mother can understand. It may not quite be Little Women, but she wouldn't swap any of it for the world. She picked up the letter and read it once again; just longing to feel close to her youngest daughter:

My dearest Mama,

How are you all? I pray that Christmas will find you all happy and healthy- ready to enjoy the festivities.

Unfortunately Tom and I will not join you at Downton this year, but please do not worry Mama, we will stay with Tom's family who have welcomed me so kindly (it's a shame I can't say the same for my side of the family).

I don't quite know how to tell you subtly so I'll just come out with it – I'm pregnant! Tom and I are going to be parents! Oh Mama, I couldn't be happier – that I promise you. I've just been to the doctor and he confirmed it, I am two months gone so our baby is due in July! Please don't tell Mary or Edith – I'd really like to be able to tell them myself.

You ask how my life is in Ireland, I am a million times happier than I have ever been before; my job as a nurse gives me satisfaction, Tom loves being a journalist, I am becoming quite adept at maintaining a small house (I have one girl who comes in every day to help me – other than that I am on my own) and Tom and I are so very happy.

If Papa was worried, tell him that although things can become tense over here, I am learning quickly where is safe to go and Tom would never let me stray into harm.

Tell Papa I miss him and if he wanted to write...well anyway, pass on my love to everyone and hopefully I will see you soon.

All my Love,

Sybil

A/N That was just a wee introduction to set the scene. Reviews would be appreciated more than you will ever know. Next part will be soon – probably written from Branson's point of view. Thanks for reading and if I've made any mistakes please do point them out.