a/n: Just a little piece to explain why Martha didn't keep hold of the watch in 'Human Nature'. Oh and Doctor Who still isn't mine. xxHMC
Cultural Differences
As she cleaned the Doctor's or rather, John Smith's study methodically, she slipped her hand into the pocket of her dress. She pulled out the elegant time piece and immediately felt reassured. It was the reason she was stuck here. Out of her time and completing menial tasks as if she was of a lower class. Which, of course, to people of this time, she was.
She shuddered as she felt someone's hands clasp tightly around her wrist and stared immediately at the floor whilst trying to pull away instinctively. The pressure around her wrist tightened, and as she let out a yelp of pain, she dropped the watch into the other person's hand. Martha allowed herself a glance into the hazel brown eyes of the one she was trying to help as she felt his hand strike her cheek.
"Oh Martha," John gazed down at his maid pityingly. "Thievery may be accepted where you're from. But here, it just wont do."
Martha glared at him as he placed the fob watch on his mantelpiece, as she desperately wished that she could have the Doctor back. However she knew the repercussions would be too great. They'd been in hiding for barely a week and there was no sign of the Family. So far, so good. The Doctor was safe and she hadn't let the precious watch with its Gallifreyan engraving out of her sight. She was just trying desperately to act the part of a 1913 housemaid and not get too riled by the inequalities of the era.
"But…" she stammered. "It's… a family heirloom."
"Lying isn't acceptable either." John chastised. "No, I recognise this timepiece. One my father made."
"N-"
"Now really, Martha. Don't you think you're in enough trouble? After all I've done for you?"
Admitting defeat, Martha fixed her gaze to the floor and gave a sharp nod. Smith returned to look down at her in a way that made her scream out for the Doctor even more. If only the TARDIS had hidden them in an era that would have accepted her more easily then perhaps it's creation, which was too familiar wouldn't be continually patronising her. And she still had over two and a half months to endure before they would be safe.
"However, I like you." He grinned sheepishly. "You and your funny cultural differences. Now not everyone would be so forgiving, Miss. Jones. This is your last warning."
"Yes, sir." Martha rolled her eyes, careful not to let him see. "Sorry sir."
"Back to your duties then."
Relieved to be dismissed from his sight, Martha bolted to the door. At least she had refuge in the TARDIS overnight. The Doctor certainly owed her for this. She could only hope that John Smith would keep the fob watch safe.