It's good to see Edith and Mary having a kind of truce at last.

This was a beautiful look at Lavinia. I love her as a character, and I thought you captured her thoughts and her spirit perfectly. I loved how you had her think of M&M's tender moment as a goodbye. So heartbreaking. Loved it!

Beautiful collection! You've chosen some lovely pieces of poetry for this, and they work perfectly for the characters in question. One or two of the poems were new to me, which is very exciting... whole new fields of research opening up!

I especially loved your Lavinia piece. Beautifully in-character. :-)

Cheers for writing... I look forward to updates!

Wow... usually if I discover a new fic I don't review 'til I've reached the end, but this was just too good! I agree with you that the Robert/Jane plotline was pretty poorly thought-out, but somehow I can understand the underlying emotions that the writers were trying to express. This wee ficlet captures them perfectly. I love the idea of Robert's interest stemming from his own regrets, and his longing for a son. And the poem fits excellently. Very nice work. :-)

"She'd nursed a fantasy, foolishly, that somehow the two events would never happen; something would always postpone the marriages, and while Mary might not ever have Matthew again, she would not lose him in such a irrevocable, final way." That is a perfect way to describe Mary through series 2. Well done.

I really enjoyed this chapter its so realistic. Everything Mary thinks in this chapter could have actually happen.

I know what you mean about Thomas. It's hard to truly hate him but at the same time its impossible to like him.

I just found your poems and stories and read them all through with delight. I really appreciate how you have brought so many of the Downton characters to life. A great concept and wonderful writing.

My favorites -

William, because your story is so sad and beautiful and moving.

Matthew and Mary, because I adore them and I like how you gave them banter without the angst.

Isobel, because you took this ever-so-aggravating character and made my heart go out to her.

Lavinia, because the poem possessed me and is utterly perfect for Lavinia.

So that makes half of them favorite :)

Love this chapter. I think you really highlight Sybil's inner turmoil well. These two are my absolute favorite. I also really like how you use poetry as an outline for each chapter. (I particularly enjoy Yeats.)Hope to read more soon! :)

I read your most recent installment thinking, "this should be getting far more reviews!"

And then I realized that I-who love to read but am *terrible* about actually leaving reviews, am part of the problem. I resolve to do better.

I am so very much enjoying these, and the mini glimpses they give us into the personalities of these characters. Plus, I love poetry, and you're introducing me to some new ones I must go off and read. Thank you! :)

I also resolve to write longer and better reviews than this one (and not in the middle of the night, either).

My favorite chapter! I love every sentence especially the last cuz I mean who can resist?

Such a great insight into Isobel. She seemed so together when she first saw Matthew, but I always surmised she must have been a wreck on the journey over. Thanks for sharing!

I thought I was the only one who noticed the similarities between Jane and Cora! I always wondered if that was intentional on Fellowes' part. I like that you made Jane's son the focus. When Robert finally broke things off with her, I was struck by the fact that he didn't seem at all concerned for her future financial struggles due to him letting her go. He was more concerned with Freddie's education. I really like what you've got so far. Keep up the Sybil/Branson love! : )

These are all fantastic and really well written. I especially love the Sybil/Branson ones as they are far and away my favorite characters.

So sweet :)