Disclaimer: Written for fun, not for profits. I don't own these characters, they belong to Julian Fellows and I thank him for inspirations.

Not a native English speaker, sorry for any mistakes!

"Woollen-Collar Lover"

'Oh, really Darling!'

Sybil winced. She was determined to enter the drawing room as discreetly and quietly as possible, so that no one notice her. Unfortunately nothing seemed to be able to escape her eldest sister's observant eye. Ignoring her husband's goofy smiles sent from the other corner of the room and sighing heavily Sybil came closer to Mary. The lady run her palm through her little sister's large, woolen, tightly fastened, piece of cloth that she was wearing around her neck the whole day.

'My goodness, I said nothing when you appeared in this large…something' – she said with laugh - 'at the luncheon today but matching this one with an elegant, evening dress is a little bit too much, don't you think so?'

Sybil smiled wanly.

'You see…' – she bravely started to defend herself but ceased while Edith joined them to give her opinion.

'Leave her alone, Mary. Sybil used to have her own sense of style.' – said Edith – 'However I must admit I'd rather like that memorable pants of yours than this…'

'Collar. This is just a collar. Only the two of you make so much fuss about it'' – clarified Sybil trying to stay calm,but couldn't help becoming red, seeing Tom winking meaningfully at her.

'The latest trends from Dublin, I suppose?' – added Rose, another family member who appeared and decided to scoffed at poor Sybil that night - 'Mary you should definitely take your sister to the dress show when you're next time in London.'

'I will! Some advice from dear aunt Rossamud will be welcome, indeed.' – continued Mary.

'Anyone else?' – asked Sybil spreading her hands helplessly.

'You are rude girls.' – Isobel decided to interject -'It is always nice to see someone from the real world.'

The four women laughed loudly. Thankfully Mr Carson soon announced that the dinner is served and Sybil has never been more grateful to him. When she headed for the dining room with the others her husband joined her.

'Don't you dare staring at me like this.' – she warned him trying to remain serious.

'Such an adorable neck warming, my love.' – Tom provoked her in reply – 'But aren't you feeling a little too hot in this?'

'Hot? In this? Very funny.' –she answered lowering her voice - 'You exactly know how small suitcase I brought with me to Downton this time. No scarves, no neckerchiefs…'

'Well I didn't hear you complaining while…'

'Oh you!' – she blushed and gave him a little poke.

'You're beautiful when you're irritated' – said Tom and briefly kissed her temple.

'You'd better hush, Mr Tom –I-cut-myself-shaving – Branson.' – sniggered Sybil.

It was Tom's turn to blush then. And blush even more after his wife firmly stroke his jaw referring to the strangely stand-up collar and the white bow tie, tied much higher than usual and almost uncovered his own hickeys that Tom was carefully hiding for last few days.

'I've heard you explaining it to Matthew yesterday. Not only he believed it but also he started to pity you! "Poor chap" – she impersonated her cousin – 'Can you please tell me why I am always the one who gets a spanking?'

Her husband giggled.

'I love you too.' – said Tom and they kissed lightly.

'At least I think we are even now.' – stated Sybil while the two of them parted.

'We are. For now.' – said Tom while keeping the dining room door open for his wife. She stopped and looked at him questioningly.

'The problem is' – Tom whispered to her ear -'I don't really like it when we are even.'

THE END

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