Yes, Tom and Sybil are introduced in this bit! I hope you don't think it's too short, I think I cut it off at the right place. Oh, apologies now, because the Sybil/Tom relationship is probably going to lead our imaginations of future episodes (alongside Matthew/Mary for you who prefer them) there is a bit [lot] focused on His Lordship's response to their marriage, and taking his nature into account I think it turns out quite accurately.
No, I was not planning on evening out word count with a long intro :
~pureclass
"Huh-hum?" Tom cleared his throat as he donned an evening suit and took Carson's position in the doorway, casually leaning with one arm on the frame, legs crossed at the ankle. Only when everyone had turned to look did he stand up straight.
"And what would you want, Mr Branson?" Mrs Hughes asked, rather kindly as is her nature.
"Isn't it dinner?" he asked, rather sarcastically but still warm and friendly – as is his nature – "Or have the meal times changed since we left?" you could tell he was friendly joking but as everyone else genuinely chuckled Thomas gave out the most ironic, put-on, undermining laugh you've ever heard.
"Don't all crowd at once!" he exclaimed, jokingly also, before half the staff – Mr Carson included – group-hugged him. He had been missed while in Ireland.
"Hu hum!" It was Amy's turn to clear her throat in order to attract attention.
"Ah, yes." Mrs Hughes began, "This is Mrs Williams, the new maid. Resembles um, Gwen, I believe. Well, they share a hair colour at least."
"Hi." Amy introduced herself, and Tom responded with a simple nod.
Just then, Sybil ran down the stairs yelling "Tom, Tom!" Mr Branson's face lit up until he sensed the distress in her voice and then - when her picturesque beautiful face appeared - did he see it in her deep, worried eyes.
"What's the matter?" said Tom, in perfect synchronisation with Mr Carson as the latter spoke in his gruff, and now undermining, tone;
"What are you doing down here?"
