Christmas Lunch

[adifferentlife]

The best way to celebrate any holiday is to share it with people that one care's about, Sybil is sure of that. It's why she's organised this, a luncheon for any and all that she's friends with. It's not something she's done before, and it feels very adult to be hosting a party within her own home. It's not something she ever imagined doing in such a small space, or without a staff to support her, or even before she was married with her own home, but those aren't things that are considerations here.

Instead she's let everyone know when to come and to bring something to share with the others. She's ordered in the main part of the meal, a roasted turkey instead of a goose and a roast of lamb as well. There's champagne and wine, and she has the record player Kaine gave her in the corner playing christmas carols by Bing Crosby. There's a small tree of real pine with strings of beads strung through its boughs and little elecric lights twinkling. Henri has helped her to decorate and do the cooking that she's tried, even if most of the cookies she made needed to be thrown our they were so burnt.

Once people start to arrive she relaxes, allowing herself a glass of wine once she's sure everything is in order and things are going well. At some point there is nothing else she can do, other than talk to her guests; her friends. It's nothing like a Christmas at Downton, but her second one here in Darrow and it feels like the Christmas it's supposed to be.

Comments

[jaimemieux]

“Then allow me to offer you all the greater thanks for coming,” Combeferre said, inclining his head slightly. He had his share of experience with the reticent, and wished neither to make the man think his distance was a problem, nor force him into idle chatter he did not want. “And I am sure Sybil appreciates it all the more.” He offered his hand. “Henri Combeferre. Forgive me, I am trying to meet as many of Sybil’s friends as I can, and I fear there are many unfamiliar faces here."

[wipeawaythedebt]

Taking the hand, he inclines his head, "Booker DeWitt. Formerly of New York." He's tempted to give the date, too, since it usually ends up being partially relevant, but he's not really interested in rehashing his life story today. He's here to be as polite as he can manage and keep an eye on Elizabeth.

"If you've met her friend Elizabeth, we're from the same... world." Whatever the hell that meant. Even coming from the same world he's not always sure that they were from... the same world.

[jaimemieux]

Combeferre nodded. "I have not met Elizabeth, though Sybil has mentioned her many times. She is a very good friend, I gather." He sipped his drink. "Have you been in Darrow long?"