I love the description of Tom's love you wrote for Lavinia. Years ago two friends of mine got married. I have never forgotten the look on his face as she walked down the aisle. Pure love radiated from his eyes in a way I have never seen. I thought in that moment how I would love to have a man look at me that way.

You have a great turn of phrase.

This is my first review so I hope I'm helpful. I really love this story, so much so that I actually have it bookmarked so I can easily read it whenever I want. You capture the inner thoughts of each character so well. I personally think that your chapters from Lavinia's, Edith's and Carson's viewpoints are the best. Lavinia's and Edith's POVs are quite touching, especially how Edith believes that Sybil marrying Tom will result in Edith never marrying. Yet, despite this, she's not mad. This line - "Her little sister is in love and despite the repercussions it is going to have on everyone, it is a beautiful thing to see." - is so beautiful and so Edith. Carson's POV is wonderful for showing his conflict over the situation. Yes, he is against the idea of Tom and Sybil marrying, but mixed in there is the fact that he likes Tom. I think, and this is just my opinion, that Carson's purposely thinks of negative things about Tom, the cockiness, to try to distance himself from this fact.

I really want you to finish this story. I've been waiting for months to read Violet's viewpoint on the drawing room events. Please , please continue with your story. Also, I agree with the other reviewers that you should also write a story from the downtstairs perspective after Tom announces their engagement. Obviously, they were shocked, though I've always wondered how much Mr. Bates knew before Tom's announcement. Personally, I would love to read your headcanon for Thomas's POV, as well as Mrs. Hughes to see if it matches with my own.

Can't wait to read Violet's thoughts! Thank you.

Sorry for not being here lately. I enjoyed the last chapter very much too. Carson isn't too sentimental or romantic, is he;)?

Can't wait for Violet, hope you'll finish this lovely fic:)

Well, I'm not here so much to review this chapter as I am to "encourage" you to finish because I'm eagerly awaiting your take on the Dowager Countess. And I second the suggestion of a companion piece on the downstairs reactions to Branson's announcement.

I have really enjoyed this series, primarily because I can hear these people thinking these thoughts. Like Branson...not a hair out of place :)

Oh Carson; interestingly, he's even more conservative about the whole thing than Robert. While Robert later gives his blessing, you know Carson never will, sadly. You captured his inner thoughts perfectly, and I especially liked the bit about how he had grown fond of Branson, which I do think is true.

Eagerly anticipating the Dowager's chapter; but a quick question. Was Isobel in the room as well? I can't remember. If she is, is she the last of the whole room then? Were there any other servants?

Can't wait for more! Keep going!

Love that everyone here is so in character. I can easily imagine them thinking all of that. You brilliantly showed Lord G's hypocrisy, Lady G's sometimes not being aware of what is going in her daughters lives, Lavinia's sweetness, but also awareness that Matthew's heart does not belong solely to her, Matthew's older brotherly feelings towards Sybil, Mary's jealousy mixed with snobbery, and finally, poor Edith's understanding of her sister's choice.

I can't wait for Carson and Violet; two cherries on top!

Maybe you could consider writing a companion piece about how the servants downstairs view the surprising announcement?;)

I really enjoyed this chapter. I have liked all of this story, but this chapter I thought was particularly good! Perhaps Edith should become a novelist and write their story down :)

I also liked the idea that Edith thought Branson was her particular friend. I could really hear Edith's voice, especially the "Silly Silly Edith"

Will be interesting to read Carson's POV... although I don't imagine he will see any good in their relationship!

I really enjoyed Edith's chapter. I can absolutely imagine this being her train of thought - slightly jealous that it's not her, but still happy and understanding for Sybil.

I think Lady Edith would make a wonderful writer

My favorite chapter so far! After Sybil, Edith was my second favorite Crawley girl, and I *really* hope that she finds her true love in series 3! But I think you did such justice for her in this chapter. I love how you brought a few things to light that I think we often forget about Edith; one, that as much as we love Sybil/Branson, yes, their union would sadly have repracusions on Edith's hopes of marriage. Two, Edith *is* the romantic of the family! I never realized that until you mentioned it, but it is so true! I loved the little bits about Jane Austen and the Brontes. I also liked Edith's initial disbelief when Mary tells her about Branson, as well as Edith thinking that maybe Branson was "her" servant, in the sense of friendship and favoritism. Really, of all your chapters so far, this was my absolute favorite!

As for Carson, I know he doesn't approve...but I wonder, will he "realize" something for a certain housekeeper in the brave manner in which Branson and Sybil declared their love? ;o) Or if not Mrs. Hughes, a past love? Can't wait to see!

I think Lady Edith would make a wonderful writer

Awwww...Edith! I apologize for not reviewing sooner as have been following this series from the beginning.

This is a great/novel idea. The only drawback is that you are running out of people who were in the drawing room.

See Carson is up next...that should be good and I think you saved the trump card for last...The Dowager Countess of Grantham. Did you do that on purpose? :]

When you finish this series, please do more.

I really like the way you've written this and made each chapter a different character. I could especially tell how angry Mary really was.

Great chapter; always knew Mary was jealous of Sybil for having the courage to take the man she loved, while Mary pined away for Matthew. I sometimes felt, while watching the show, that Mary would be the harder one to convince that Robert-Robert may have given Branson and Sybil his blessing, but I don't know about Mary! (Although she did go to the wedding...hmmmm.) Look forward to Edith's chapter! You make a great point, about how this would affect her marriage offers, so naturally Edith would be worried. But at the same time, I always felt that between Sybil's sisters, Edith supported her choice in a husband much more than Mary, even though Mary was the one who was "safe" in marrying whom she wished. Anyway, looking forward to what you have next!