December, 1912

London, England 

3 months have gone by so quickly that Clara had no idea what she had these past few months. Her classes have kept her busy, but she sure misses having a lot of free time. Once fall came around Clara tried to see if Downton could host a masquerade for Halloween, but couldn't since they didn't have enough time. Though Derek has invited everyone to his home for a masquerade ball instead the party was incredible. 

Clara had never been to a party like that and wanted to stay forever. Clara met new people which was interesting. Clara was rather shy at first but the people seemed very nice. Though the best part of the party was the dancing. Clara has been practicing her dancing day and night just to make sure she didn't step on anyone's toes, especially Derek. The hard part was when she was able to dance with him. There was a full line of ladies who wanted to dance with Derek, even Mary wanted to dance with him. Clara felt a little insecure from watching Derek and Mary dance together since they looked perfect together. But soon her insecurities went away once Derek asked her to dance the night away. 

Clara had never thought she would have an amazing time. She and Derek kept each other close to each other once their dance ended. They kept at each other's side for hours and talked through the night. The more they talked to each other the more fell for each other. They didn't want to say anything because it was still too soon for Clara and Derek to be together since Clara wasn't coming out until summer. It may be a while but it's worth the wait. 

Clara and Derek's Costumes 

As the party came to an end as all days do, another holiday came around the corner which would be perfect for all of Downtown to enjoy. Clara convinced her Aunt and Uncle to have a Thanksgiving dinner for the family and the staff as well as to experience a holiday that is celebrated in her country. Cora thought it was a wonderful idea to have an old tradition she used to enjoy back when she was living in America at the time. Granny, Mary, and Robert were a little concerned since it's not traditional in their country, but Clara explained to them they shouldn't be afraid to try new things and wanted to bring something from home. Sybil, Edith, and Cora were looking forward to something that is part of their heritage. 

As Thanksgiving arrived Clara went to the kitchen to help Mrs. Pattmore with dinner. At first, Carson didn't approve of Clara being in the kitchen since she was a lady of the house but Clara explained to Carson that Mrs. Pattmore didn't know the dishes well enough and wanted to help her since Clara had made these dishes before. Luckily everything turned out well, the whole family and the staff had never felt so stuffed from a dinner before and wouldn't be for a while. One of the fun things that happened during dinner for the staff, Clara explained to them if one finds the wishbone they challenge someone for the wish. Both opponents pull on the wishbone and whoever has the bigger piece makes the wish. It is funny because it was between Mr. Bates and William for the wishbone and Mr. Bates outsmarted William. During upstairs everyone enjoyed coffee in the library and couldn't have a better time. Derek and Clara spoke for a short while as they talked about how they were looking forward to the ballet and of course Christmas. This will be Clara's first Christmas at Downton and can't wait to see the traditions that await her. 

The day has finally come when Clara is about to see her first ballet, and in a way going on her first date with Derek Parker. Her Aunt Cora is chaperoning her, but it's worth it.

" Oh, Auntie I feel so nervous. I've never been in this situation before." Clara said as she looked at herself in the mirror as Anna helped to fix her hair for the ballet. 

" Oh Darling, you will be just fine. I can see you and Derek are a perfect match for each other." Cora said as she put on her gloves for the evening. 

" I agree, and I have to say he's very handsome. I didn't think it was possible to find someone as handsome as he is." Anna said as the ladies chuckled as it was true. " But I do notice how he is very fond of you Clara. You must feel very lucky." 

" I do very much. Sadly, I can not be official with him until Sybil and I are coming out this coming summer. It may be a while, but the wait will be worth it in the end." Clara said as she spoke from her heart. 

" I'm glad you found someone who you care your life with." Anna said sweetly. 

" Thank you, Anna. Have you found someone to be with yet?" Clara asked. 

" I do have feelings for someone, but I don't know if he feels the same." 

" Well, I'm sure time will tell when he'll tell you his feelings for you." Cora said as she was ready to go and heard the doorbell. " That must be Derek, I'll welcome him in." Cora leaves the room as Anna helps Clara with her dress. 

" I'm glad Derek was kind enough to give you a ticket as well to see the ballet Anna. Are you excited?" 

" Very, it's such a lovely Christmas present I could ever ask for. I can't wait to tell everyone when we get back. We should get this dress on if we want to make it to the show on time." 

Derek comes inside the house and he sees Cora coming down the stairs. 

" Lady Grantham, always a pleasure to see you." Derek smiled and bowed to Cora as a gentleman. 

" Oh Derek, you can call me Cora, we're practically family now." 

" Of course. Where's Clara?" 

" She's nearly ready. Are you still coming to Downton for Christmas?" 

" I'll see what I can do. I still have my family traditions at home as well as my staff for theirs as well." 

" Of course by all means. Come by when you are available to come." 

" Thank you." 

" Hello, Derek." Clara said nice as she saw him looking at her as Clara came down the stairs in her new dress. 

Derek was breath taken by Clara's beauty as he came up to the bottom of the stairwell to meet Clara. " Hello, Clara. You look wonderful." Derek kisses Clara's hand softly as Cora and Anna think it is sweet for the two of them together. 

" Thank you. You look very handsome yourself." Clara blushed a little as they couldn't look inappropriately. " We should get going." 

" Yes lets." Derek holds out his arm for Clara and she takes his arm. 

" Oh Auntie, I umm..." Clara felt so embarrassed about what just happened.

" It's quite alright dear. Let us head out." Cora said as they headed towards the car. 

During the drive to the ballet, Clara looks out the window to see the wonders of London. It sure wasn't Montana, but it sure was different. though when Clara thought about her home and missed it very much. This would be her first Christmas without her parents which made her sad. 

" Are you alright Clara?" Derek asked. 

" Huh? Oh sorry. I was thinking about...my parents. It's going to be my first Christmas without them this year." Clara tries not to cry. " Sorry, I just miss them." 

" It's alright Clara. Holidays are always the hardest when we lose someone we love." Derek reassures her as Clara starts to calm down and just in time they arrive at the ballet. 

Coming inside the opera house every little detail looked spectacular. It was like coming into a royal palace. Clara has never seen anything more beautiful. She has been used to seeing the mountains, wildflower fields, and open plains that go on for miles without end, but nothing like this. Clara is excited to enjoy her time here but also feels scared because she's never been to a place like this before and wouldn't know what to do. But once she felt Derek guiding her to their seats she didn't feel scared anymore. 

Once everyone made it to their seats Clara saw the view of the stage and looked forward to the show. It wasn't long before it was time to watch " The Nutcracker" as the conductor took to the stage. 

Everyone in the audience clapped their hands for the conductor and the musicians and the music began. 

https://youtu.be/2m7_OyrG08c

Clara has never seen any performance like this before. How everything looked in England, all the colors, the way the parties were back then. Spectacular. This sure isn't a rodeo back home, but it is very beautiful. It was a little odd about the scene with the mice since she couldn't understand that part, but went along with it. The performance starts to get better when the prince's curse has been broken, and when the Prince dances with his beloved Clara in the snow. Clara couldn't stop smiling as she enjoyed the show. Derek didn't even need to know what was going on since he had seen the show before, but watching Clara's amusement at the performance. 

Once Intermission came along Clara, Cora, and Anna went to the powder room for a moment. 

" Are you having a good time Clara?" Cora asked. 

" Yes of course. I have to say this ballet is very beautiful. I hope Derek is enjoying the performance as well." 

" I wouldn't know because he keeps looking at you." 

" He what?"Clara couldn't believe what she was hearing. " But why? " 

" I think he's fond of someone who has never seen his world before. And is glad to see you happy." 

" I'm very happy, Auntie. Ever since I came here I never thought I could be happy again, but when I met Derek there was something about him that made me feel whole again." Clara said as she looked back at Cora. 

" I must say you have grown so much, and you sure remind me of your mother. She would be so proud of you." Cora said as she hugged Clara softly. 

" Thank you Auntie." Clara hugs Cora back as it is time to head back to their seats. 

Once everyone came back to their seats the performance of the second half began. 

Once the music started Clara watched the performance and was mesmerized by how beautiful the dancers were. 

Clara was a little curious about what her Aunt had to say and looked out the corner of her eye to see for herself and be sure she was right. Derek was watching her the whole time and he quickly looked away so he wouldn't get caught. Clara giggled softly as she watched Derek making a fool of himself, but thought it was sweet.  

The ballet kept going with amazing performances that Clara had never seen before. One performance was from China, Russia, and Arabia. This story is incredible, especially when it comes to the solo of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara had no idea doing a performance on her own like that would be so beautiful, and terrifying as well. Clara wouldn't handle all that pressure to perform to all those people every night. But at last, everyone is meant to do something great. 

The performance was nearly over but soon the next performance came along and something about this song grabbed her attention even more. 

(This is my favorite part)

https://youtu.be/qy6dlGpC3Ns

The way the couple danced together felt so perfect, even the song hypnotized Clara into a trance. She could feel herself dancing with Derek to this song as if it were just him and her on the stage alone. Clara could feel her heart racing as each note of the song went through her and didn't want to stop, though once the final note ended Clara clapped her hands for the couple that had danced an amazing performance. 

Once the ballet had finally finished it was time to head back to the house.  Clara comes inside the car as she thinks about the performance. 

" Did you have a wonderful time?" Derek asked. 

" Yes, it was wonderful. I especially loved the part of the couple in the second half. The song was so... um what's the word?" 

" Enchanting?" Derek suggested. 

" Yes, that word. Enchanting. I like it. After all my years back home of seeing performances, I do have to say this sure takes the cake." 

" Meaning?" 

" Oh, it means this was the best performance I've seen by far." Clara explained to Derek. 

" Interesting the way you say it." 

" Well, you say things different from where you are and I have sayings from where I'm from." Clara smiled as they soon arrived back at the house. " Well, it looks like another journey has come to an end." Clara said as Derek helped the ladies out of the car. 

" Until we meet again Clara." Derek kissed her hand once more as he didn't want to leave but had to so Clara could rest peacefully that night. " Goodnight, princess." 

" Goodnight Slick." Clara said as she headed inside the house with a smile on her face as she had the most magical night ever.