Thomas was in deep thought while he supervised the decorations of the large ball room. He had always known that this day would come, but still it had caught him with surprise.

Everything about his life had revolved around this little girl for the last almost 30 years, and now, after this evening, she was supposed to just move away? Move out of the house both of them had called home, to live with a man she had only known for a little over a year. She loved him, yes, Sybbie had told Thomas all about the wonderful Doctor Sebastian Littleton, but still the butler couldn't shake the feeling that no one was good enough for his little Miss Sybbie.

She was getting married. Married! Hadn't she been only 5 years old two days ago, following him around because she was bored? Hadn't she just stained her bright white dress with raspberries?

No, she was all grown up now, her own person, strong minded, intelligent and on her way to a new life.

A life without Thomas.

Everyone was going to be at her wedding. Not only her whole family, but also the staff she had grown up with. Against her grandmother's objections, she had invited all of the staff to attend her wedding ceremony and reception. As guests, not staff. She had hired caterers and waiters from an established restaurant in York, just to make sure no one in her home would have to work on her special day.

Sybbie had always known she would marry an intelligent and courageous man one day, but when her dreams actually had come true, she hadn't dared to believe her luck. Sebastian was everything she could ever have wished for. They had met in the hospital both had worked at during the war, and even in those dire times they had found solace in each other. As soon as the war was over they had decided that there was no other way for them but to get married. Preparations had taken their time, but finally her glory day had arrived. She would walk down the aisle with her father by her side, and all her friends and family with her to share her happiness. After the awful last years, it was the least she could do, have everyone be a part of her joy.

With the exception of her grand-parents being a little grumpy about the fact that she was indeed going to marry the love of her life in a Roman Catholic church, the ceremony went without a hitch. Her dress was beautiful, simple but elegant, and everyone she loved was with her, in person or in spirit.

The reception afterwards was only a little awkward at first, having the noble family sit at the same table as the usual staff, and the staff being waited on. Thomas had once or twice grumbled about the waiters not knowing what they were doing and that they would never be able to work as footmen in Downton, but otherwise everyone enjoyed themselves. It felt as if the horrible years they had been through had never in fact happened.

Thomas sat to the side while he watched the happy couples dance to the string quartet. He was happy for his Sybbie, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing a vital part of his life. Of course she would still come and visit her family from time to time, but it was different from seeing her every day during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

He smiled when he saw Jimmy dancing funnily with Daisy, who just shook her head and tried her best not to fall over Jimmy's flailing limbs. Close to them, Sybbie was dancing with her father, both with tears in their eyes. Apparently he wasn't the only one who was going to have a hard time with seeing the girl leave her home.

The song ended and with a kiss to her father's cheek, Sybbie released his arms and turned around, looking directly at Thomas. With purpose she walked over to his side, holding out his hands in a clear demand for him to dance with her.

Thomas would never deny her this wish. Carefully he took her hands into his and pulled her close to his side. As if out of reflex the girl, or young woman rather, lay her head onto his shoulder, the way she did when she had been a little girl.

"You look wonderful" Thomas murmured into her ear, and he could feel Sybbie smile against his chest.

"Thank you. It's lovely that all of you could be here today as well" the bride replied, looking up and smiling radiantly. Thomas chuckled.

"You might have offended Daisy slightly because she wasn't allowed to cook, but I think we're all quite happy to be allowed to share this day with you. Everyone loves you, never forget that."

"Oh, Mr. Thomas" Sybbie exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes again. "What am I ever going to do without you? Can't you come with me? Mr. Kent could become the butler here, and you could stay with me."

"Little Miss Sybbie" Thomas sighed, rubbing a thumb against the girl's cheek to wipe away a tear that had gotten lose from her lashes. "Downton is my home. I don't want to think how it would go into ruin with Jimmy as the butler. We don't want to do that to your grandparents in their old age, do we?" This elicited a few chuckles from Sybil.

"I guess you're right. But I don't want to be alone" she admitted, leaning her head back against Thomas' chest.

"You will never be alone, Sybil, never. No matter where you are, you will always have your friends, your family. You will always have me."

"Do you promise?" Thomas pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.

"I promise."

When Sybil and Sebastian left that evening, she went out of her way to embrace Thomas once more before entering the car.

When the butler saw the car leave the drive way, he felt a small pang in his chest. He had tried to be uplifting earlier when he and Sybbie had talked, but now that she really was gone, he didn't know what to do with himself.

"It's hard to see her go, isn't it?" Thomas turned to see Mr. Branson standing next to him.

"I just don't know why" Thomas admitted. Branson laughed.

"Well, you lost a daughter just as much as I did. You were practically a second father to her. It was good to know there was someone else out there who cared about her the same way I did" the ex-chauffeur explained, and suddenly everything made a lot more sense to Thomas.

She indeed had been like a daughter to him. He had loved her and worried about her, just like a parent was supposed to. It was no wonder it was hard for him to see her leave now.

"And I know Sybil felt like this about you, too. You can't imagine how often she talked about Mr. Thomas when she was younger. It was always about you. Always." Thomas smiled. He liked to know that he had made such an impression on the girl.

"She is a remarkable person" Branson said, looking out to where the car was vanishing behind a corner

"Indeed she is. Just like her mother."

-Fin-