April, 1912 

After getting cleaned up from riding Clara headed downstairs for breakfast. She wasn't sure what her lessons were going to be today. There were so many to go through on how to be a lady, though she wasn't sure why a lady needed to learn about doing watercolors. It is a nice hobby, but nothing to do with being a lady. The one thing Clara does enjoy is the dance lessons. There are so many for Clara to learn but it has been fun to do something with her cousin while she stays in the house, the one challenge she does have trouble with is her language lessons. French, Italian, Greece, they all sounded gibberish to her and wasn't sure if she would succeed in them. Clara may not like her new living style since she would be working all day back on the ranch, but she is willing to try for her family since this place is her home now. 

Clara's outfit

" Good morning Uncle." 

" I'm not sure if it's a good morning my dear Clara." 

" Why, what's the matter?" 

Her Uncle Robert gives Clara the newspaper showing the news of the biggest headline. " Titanic Sinks" 

" Oh, no. This is horrible all those women and children who never got their chance of starting over." Clara said as she felt so heartbroken of all those lives lost. 

" Let's just hope there are survivors that can still live on towards that future." Robert said as he looked back at the newspaper.

" Agreed." Clara said as she went over to the counter to grab some breakfast. 

" I thought it was supposed to be unsinkable." Edith 

" Every mountain that is unclimbable can be climbed, so as every unsinkable ship can sink." Robert says as he continues on the news of the Titanic. 

Clara listened to her uncle as she sat down next to him and ate her breakfast. 

" Morning papa." Syble came over to his side. 

" Morning." 

" This just arrived, telegram." Syble said as she sat across from Clara. 

Robert opens the telegram and reads it, but once he does something doesn't look right. " Is Her Ladyship awake?" Robert asked Carson. 

" Yes, my Lord."

" Good, I'll see to her." Robert said as he got up from his seat Mary, Syble, Edit, and Clara watched him leave the room as they were curious about what was in that telegram. 

" What do you think was in that note?" Edit asked. 

" I hope it wasn't more dreadful news, just hearing about the Titanic is heartbreaking enough. All those families losing a loved one is unbearable." Clara said as she tried to eat. 

" I'm sure it will be alright, we cannot lose faith that there are survivors." Syble said as she tried to keep everything calm, but there was something on her mind. " Besides that Clara, I noticed you dressed late once again." 

" Did I? I didn't notice." Clara said as she tried not to get caught again. 

" Did you go riding out again?" Mary asked as she figured it out. " Honestly Clara why can't you just be a lady." 

" It's not that simple Mary. I've been here for what a month now, and you expect me to be a lady right away, while all three of you have been trained your lives? How is that fair?" 

" She just wants what's best for you." Edith said 

" I know you all are, but I came from a place where we had to work every day and make sure there was bread on the table, and now I'm in a wonderful place with family which I'm happy, but I still feel like a stranger here, and I want to take my time of knowing you all. I can't just pick up and change entirely it doesn't work that way." 

" You're right Clara. That's not fair for you since you lost your parents and had to come live here. We have no right to put you through everything to help you in our society instead of just helping you through your grief." Syble said as she came over and hugged Clara which made her feel a little better. 

" Thanks Syble. I needed that. Well, I better head over to the drawing room to work on my needlework since it will not stitch itself." Clara got up from her seat and headed towards the drawing room. 

" That was very kind of you M'lady." 

" Because it's the truth, Carson. Clara tries so hard to fit in even though she doesn't want to.  We can't force her." 

" Not unless it was necessary for an event," Mary said. 

" But she hasn't been to one yet, what would Clara do anyway?" Edith asked.

" Hopefully nothing embarrassing." Mary said bluntly. 

" Mary it's not like she's going to climb a tree in a dress or eat like an animal. She may come from America, but she does have manners." Syble said as she left the room to go check on Clara. 

Clara sits in the drawing room working on her embroidery as she thinks about Derek Parker, and whether she should write to him.

" And you said you couldn't keep up on things." Syble said as she came over and looked over Clara's work. 

" This is very lovely Clara. The details on the vines are splendid. How did you do that?" 

" I guess from stitching up wounds and learning how to make quilts for winter sure does come in handy. If you have the patience for it." Clara said as she smiled softly. " Syble, can I ask you something?" 

" Of course." 

" Well while I was riding my way back to the house, I came across a gentleman who he thought I was in trouble, but I wasn't and we talked for a moment and I left right away so I wouldn't get in trouble again. And now I'm not sure if I should write to him or not." 

" Well, I for one am shocked to hear this news and happy for you, but did he tell you his name?" 

" Derek Parker." 

" Lord Park?" 

" You know him?" 

" Well, of course." 

" He's the most eligible bachelor in England, and is trying to find a wife, and you met this morning while you were riding? Did he look handsome?" 

" Better." Both Clara and Syble giggled as they couldn't help what they felt. 

" If he talked to you he must have taken a fancy to you." 

" Me? No. I don't think he would like me anyway, he probably would be better off with Mary or you." 

" Mary is already engaged to Patrick and I think you have more of a shot than me. Don't doubt yourself so quickly cousin. You should write to him right away. I can help you with that." 

" How? I've been here for a month, and no events going on of what I know." 

" No, but there are our dinners, and since you are new to Downton what better way to be acquainted if you want to find a husband soon since you and I are to debut next summer."  

" Isn't that a little too soon? I mean sit sounds wonderful, but are you sure this plan will work?" Clara wasn't sure if Sybil's plan would work, but will give it a try. 

" I have no doubt. I'll go to Mama now and see what she says." Sybil said as she quickly left the room and headed towards her mother's room. It didn't take her long to get there and knocked on the door. 

" *knock, knock." 

" Come in." Cora called out as Sybil came inside to find both of her parents inside the room.

" Morning Mama." 

" Good Morning my darling." 

" Is there something you need?" Robert asked. 

" Yes. I've been concerned for Clara since she has been having trouble getting used to Downton I thought it would be nice to have a dinner party and possibly help Clara find a husband as well since she and I are supposed to debut next year." 

" I think that's a wonderful idea. Are there any gentlemen you have in mind?" Cora said as she is pleased to help Clara. 

" I was thinking maybe Lord Parker." Sybil said as she hoped this plan would work. 

" Lord Parker? That's an interesting choice, why do you think he would be interested in Clara? I mean he does come from great fortune and with Clara's fortune as well could help." Robert said as he thought about that possibility. 

" Well, besides her fortune Papa, I think his Lordship should get to know Clara since she is from the New World and see things from her perspective, as Clara can learn from Lord Parker. If Downton can't help Clara into our world, maybe his Lordship could." 

" Robert it would help Clara to get to know the people with a dinner." 

" Well, alright. But not right away. You're mother and I still need to discuss a few things first." Robert said to Sybil as she is very pleased to hear this.

" Yes, Papa." Sybil said as she left the room happily and couldn't wait to help Clara meet Lord Parker once again.