Clara eagerly stared at Edith as Mary's corset was laced. She didn't envy her sister-no, she knew that some considered her far more beautiful than Edith- but she did not understand her decisions. Asking Matthew if he wanted a tour of the local churches. Some may say it was scandalous that the second oldest Crawley was to be seen with her older sister's betrothed- if Mary and Matthew were even that. Clara sighed and rested her head upon her palm, watching her sister's eyes light up as she told them her plans with Matthew. Clara would have done it, had she not cared so much for her family's reputation.

"Why don't you just show him them all." Clara muttered as she listened to Edith drone on about her day with Matthew, a disgusting, lovesick look in her eyes.

"Maybe I will." Edith sighed dreamily, not noticing how her sister's glare darkened. Mary, on the other hand, noticed and decided that maybe it would be a good time to step in.

"Don't you think you're being a bit obvious?" Mary stated as her corset was finished and the door opened.

"Coming from you, that's rich." Edith said as she raised her eyebrow in annoyance. Secretly, Clara rejoiced in her older sister's jab to Edith, and couldn't help the smile that crossed her face. That was her mistake for Edith noticed the smile and immediately sent Clara a tight one.

"I think I hear Sybil calling for you." Edith's voice dripped with sweetness and Clara squared her shoulders, "Go along."

Clara abruptly stood up and quickly made her way to the door but, before she opened it, she turned and looked at Edith, swallowing her pride.

"I hope you have a lovely day with Matthew tomorrow." Edith looked at Clara suspiciously as she let out a small smirk, "I may even join you."

Clara twirled out of the room and immediately shut the door, laughing slightly to herself as she heard her sister gave a light shriek of frustration. Oh, Edith was playing a dangerous game and she somehow forgot that Clara was the one who taught it to her. Clara smiled at Cora as she passed by, making sure to look innocent. She knew that Edith was going to complain, but as long as Cora thought Clara was just kidding, she wouldn't believe Edith.

~8~

Clara laughed gleefully as she spun around in Sybil's room, loving the way the dress she wore twirled around her legs before flourishing back out. She was having the most exceptional day today! First off, she and Sybil had spent the entire day together and it was one of the most peaceful things she could have done. Secondly, they were cooking her favorite for dinner tonight, and lastly, Edith did not have a wonderful time with Matthew.

Sybil and her were not going to the dinner party tonight and, while that might have bothered her, it didn't. The two girls had somehow convinced their mother into allowing them to dine in Sybil's room tonight. Oh, it was just absolutely perfect. Mary was also in a much better mood since she had met this charming Duke, or at least that's what Clara thought she was. She didn't know for she had yet to meet him.

"So, how do you feel about Cousin Matthew?" Sybil asked as she lightly sipped her wine, a knowing smirk on her face. Clara raised a brow to her sister but placed down her fork and knife.

"I feel he is a nice man." Clara rested her head on her palm as she gave her sister a small smile, "Why do you ask?"

"Oh," Sybil smirked at her sister, "No reason."

~8~

"Cousin Clara!" Clara halted her walking as she turned around to see who called her. A small smile crept its way onto her face as she watched Matthew lightly jog to her.

"Yes?"

"I haven't seen you recently."

"Oh," Clara fidgeted with her gloves, "I have been busy lately with my sister, Sybil. We have been walking around the town and exploring the shops."

"That sounds lovely." Matthew said, slightly out of breath from the light jog he ran. He couldn't help but think Clara looked stunning. The pale green outfit she wore complimented her figure and Matthew noticed the ring of green on the outer layer of her pupil. He thought it was rather lovely and couldn't help but wonder why he was just seeing it now.

"It was. How was your day with Edith?" Clara couldn't help but ask, yearning to know what had happened and if Matthew had actually enjoyed his day with Edith.

"It was… nice." Pausing, Matthew looked at her, "Would you like to join us next time?"

Clara blinked, "Of course. That would be lovely."

"Yes, I rather think it would." Matthew murmured the last but under his breath.

HI! It's so good to be back! I know this chapter is short, but there is a reason for that. The next chapter is also short. The reason is because I'm trying to show how naïve Clara actually is and how she and Sybil are protected by the family.

Guest: Honestly, I don't know if I'm killing Matthew. I may depend on how I'm feeling about the story and how I feel on that day.

LostGirl24: Thank you!

CaptainAmericanna: Thank you!

LegendsOfTime: Thank you!

GublerGlam: Thank you!

Guest (Erin): Thank you! and don't worry, I won't abandon this story.

See you soon,

Ana