Sybil.

Even though she had been warned nothing could prepare Sybil for the size of Tom's family. When his many cousins were gathered together in his mother's small house the noise was immense with the younger children all fighting to be heard. Everyone seemed to be in continual good spirits but even this seemed alarming to Sybil who was used to polite facades concealing emotions.

At first she was stunned by how free everyone was with their words and how they did not bother to hide their thoughts. Instead they were so forthright that Sybil had been shocked: she had not expected her future sister-in-law to swear so loudly upon stubbing her toe. Being used to polite conversation she tried to converse, but knew her reserve was often mistaken for distain at her surrounding,s though she did not know how to correct such a perception without being blunt which felt too rude. So instead she tried to cope with knowing people thought her smug.

She was pleased to find a friend in Tom's cousin Maeve and happily spoke of her home in Downton answering many questions and responding with questions of her own. Maeve beckoned her husband over and the two listened in rapt attention as they questioned Sybil on her work as a nurse as Maeve had also worked in the local hospital during the war. It was a subject she found very interesting so Sybil eagerly spoke of her nursing pleased to finally find someone she had something in common with. Her happiness was short lived however when she noticed Maeve's smile was less genuine and verging on a sneer,

"So it seems you enjoyed your game of playing nurse."

Sybil felt as if she had been slapped, but managed to calmly respond, "I think the injured officers found it more than a game."

"So you only deigned to help your own rank?" The insult was much blunter than Sybil was used to.

"The Convalescent Home at Downton Abbey was only for officers though I do agree it should have been for all ranks."

"How fortunate- you didn't even need to leave your house. But then you're not like the rest of us having to earn our job. It must be nice to be able to waltz into your position."

Tom had been watching Sybil all evening to make sure she was coping as he knew his family could be quite overwhelming when faced on mass. He noticed how she seemed uncomfortable with his cousin and moving closer he had heard Maeve's last remark,

"Actually she attended a training course in York where she achieved the highest marks in her class." He informed Maeve not bothering to disguise the anger in his voice.

For the rest of the evening Tom stayed at Sybil's side and she found his presence comforting. Most of the people she met were genuinely kind to her, but they were so different they struggled to converse. However desperately she hoped to be friends with his family she began to wonder if the gulf between them was too wide. That evening she voiced her thoughts to Tom who did his best to reassure her that they all needed time to get to know each other better. How could any of his family dislike his wonderful wife when they knew her? He continued to invite members of his closer family to meet Sybil as he knew she found more intimate encounters less daunting and he ensured he found some similar interests they shared- even if only slightly. Sybil was very grateful as he continued to devote his time to her happiness, but she couldn't stop herself doubting if she would ever fit in with the Bransons.

Tom

The atmosphere of the Dining Room felt stifling to Tom as he felt the disapproving gaze of most of his companions. He wasn't ashamed of himself as he knew they expected him to be, as he didn't believe he had anything to be ashamed of. He also did not envy them even though he was sure the grand house and dinner were meant to remind him of how little he could offer Sybil compared to what she grew up with. Yet against Robert's hopes this strategy did not work as neither wanted this lifestyle for themselves. In fact it went against everything Tom believed. However he was determined to be there for Sybil's sake.

Although most of the family tried their best to welcoming he knew how hard they found the situation as they kept calling him Branson rather than Tom or Mr Branson as if the idea of him being a member of the family was too hard to take in. He also noticed the way most of the questions were directed at him making Tom feel like some form of novelty entertainment with everyone wondering when he would first trip up. Well he decided to beat them at their own game and show he didn't care for their society rules and by refusing to dress for dinner he knew he had made his point: he wasn't an aristocrat and he had no desire to be.

Yes it was a blunt approach, but the only thing he regretted was that he was unlikely to make friends this way. It felt as though he were faced with a choice of fitting in or being himself and he chose the latter. He would never compromise who he was and he clung to this as he faced a barrage of cunningly disguised insults that he struggled to respond to. He was used to speaking his mind but the language of the upper crust was about inferences rather than words and he knew any bluntness on his part was a black mark against him.

Even when the conversation was not focused on him their disapproval was an obvious and continual presence. Quick glances in his direction showed that he was ever at the front of people's minds and it was as if he was still pictured as a servant and as such was not permitted to talk about family matters. Hence the conversation felt strained and he knew he was blamed for it.

The only thing that kept him going through the dinner was his awareness of Sybil who he knew was supporting him. With the ease of a Lady she would steer the conversation to neutral topics or occasionally remind them that their life was nothing like Downton so he should not be expected to fit in. Even when she was not speaking their gaze often met and she would give him an encouraging smile or subtly gesture to whichever piece of cutlery Tom needed to use. Just looking at her reminded him why he was putting himself through this awkward situation: if it made her happy he would do it. As he had promised he would welcome her family with open arms even if they took their time welcoming him.

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