AN: This is not my first FanFic but it is my first DA fic. I hope you enjoy! These characters are not my own, just on loan!
The snow fell gently around while the cold wind whirled its way past the oblivious couple. Their world was bright and warm, full of new life and new opportunities. Their past much like the snow beneath their feet, for it would melt and give way to the life hibernating beneath. It was only through their struggles and pains they had come this far and it would breed their limitless future. The pair stopped their circular motion and stood in their moment. Each face so close to the other they could feel the breath escaping their partner's body. They stood this way for several seconds before raucous laughter interrupted them.
Mary glanced up to see a young house maid hand-in-hand with one of the hall boys. The two had apparently been heading to "catch some fresh air" as well but were stopped when they saw their lord and lady in an intimate position.
"Pardon me, M'lady." The maids auburn hair was tousled and her ivory skin flushed from dancing and alcohol. The little hall boy next to her echoed her sentiments, then grabbed her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction. The two whispered and laughed as they scurried away, most likely off to tell someone else the site they just witnessed (or to do other "things" first, before they shared their secret).
Matthew leaned down and placed his lips near her and whispered: "We should go back in and help to quell the rumors which are bound to start."
"Please, they started rumors the moment they got back to the hall." Mary's tone wasn't angry or hurt, just amused. "But, you're right, we should go back in."
"Actually, I should probably be going. It's late and mother will wonder where I am." His hand gently caressed her face. "When should we tell them all?"
Her eyes lit up, "Why not tomorrow? They've wanted this long enough; let's let them have their wish."
"Sounds wonderful! I'll be up for tea, we can tell them then or should we wait for dinner?"
"Let's wait until dinner. Granny will be here and I'll have mama ask cousin Isobel to come as well." Mary stopped and gave him a small grin.
"What?" he asked softly.
"We're getting married."
Matthew returned her smile. "We are getting married." He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. When he pulled away his face turned to a more pensive look. "I just hope the family is alright with it."
"They will be overjoyed; this is what they have wanted the whole time. Although, it will probably be a war to see who claims credit for the match."
Matthew chuckled, "If I were a betting man, I would say cousin Violet will emerge the victor." Mary laughed along with him and the two fell into a comfortable silence. Neither wanted the moment to end but they also didn't want to freeze to death. "You're shivering." Matthew noted and guided her back into the foyer, stopping to claim his hat and coat from the table. He clasped her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it, "Until tomorrow, then."
"Until tomorrow," she echoed. He pulled away, walking back to the cold night. "Matthew," she called out when he was a few feet away. He turned around to face her with a smile gracing his features. He awaited her plea until he realized she had none except for her desire to see him again. Mary felt the heat in her cheeks as she took notice of her motives for calling him again. "Um…would you…uh…would you like Branson to drive you home?"
"No. I need the excuse for a walk." He smiled and doffed his hat once more.
Anna hurried to Lady Mary's room, night gown in hand. She had already helped Lady Edith but had been waiting for Lady Mary to ring. She knocked three times then entered the room, finding Mary pacing. "Are you alright m'lady?"
Mary couldn't help but smile. "I'm far better than alright, Anna. I'm elated! I'm…" She grasped for words. Nothing seemed to fit or encapsulate what she wanted to say. "I'm engaged!"
Anna's pupil's dilated to the size of saucers. "Ttt..to whom, m'lady?"
"Matthew."
The momentum of the situation took hold and both women broke forth into uncontrollable joy. "Oh! That is just wonderful. How? When…" Anna trailed off and looked down at the ground. "Forgive me; it isn't my place to ask."
Mary took Anna's hand and pulled her towards the vanity. "I want you to ask. Anna, you're the closest thing to a friend I have and I want someone to tell. Only…I feel awful being so joyful while you are suffering."
"It's good for me to hear good news. It helps to brighten my life. So, what did he say? How did he ask?" Anna's questions flowed rapidly as she began to take down Mary's hair.
Mary's eyes danced in the mirror as she regaled Anna with the evening's events, feeling more alive than she had in years.
Matthew fidgeted in his seat, wishing this meal would move faster than this. He wondered how it could take someone this long to eat pheasant.
"Matthew, are you alright? Is your back bothering you?" Isobel asked.
Matthew snapped his eyes up to meet not only his mother's gaze, but everyone else's. "What? Uh, no. I'm just…restless that's all."
"I agree with you there." Robert chimed in as he pushed his plate away from him. "I think I'm almost ready to pass through." He looked around the table to see if anyone else was still eating. "What do you all say we leave and let the servants come in to finish? Give them an early evening." Everyone but Violet nodded their consent.
"What is this? I eat at home so I am not rushed to finish on a schedule."
"Might I remind you, mama, this isn't your home and I can rush you as much as necessary." Robert said softly as he stood from the table.
"Robert Michael Crawley, you may be head of Downton but I am still your mother and…"
"Granny, won't you please come through with us. I have an announcement to make." Mary decided now was as good a time as any to hint at her big news, if only to stop this insufferable meal.
"I don't see why you can't tell us here? What is so important it must be said outside of the dining room?"
Mary opened her mouth to respond but Matthew stopped her by standing up. "Cousin Violet is right. The announcement shouldn't wait any longer." He took a deep breath and looked at the curious faces surrounding him. He cleared his throat, "I would like to announce to everyone that…that…that Mary and I are engaged to be married." His face exploded into a smile as he reached out his hand for Mary to come and take. She did so gladly while the rest of the room drank in the news.
"That's wonderful!" Cora exclaimed. Her sentiments were quickly seconded by the remaining party. Each stood to come and congratulate the happy couple, all except Robert.
Mary took notice of his silence. "Papa, say something."
"What is there left to say? It sounds like this is out of my control." Robert threw his napkin onto the table and shoved back. "You want me to say something, alright. How dare you? How dare you ask my daughter to marry you without asking me first?"
Matthew stuttered, stunned at this flash of anger. "I'm sorry. It was only official last night. I hadn't planned on it."
"You hadn't planned on it! Do you mean to say that it was just a juvenile, impulsive decision? Does she really mean anything to you then, or will you simply push her aside later, not on purpose but because you hadn't planned on it?"
"Robert," Cora scolded.
"I love Mary. You know that." Matthew fought back.
"Do I?"
"Yes, I love her. I loved her enough to ask her to marry me before."
"That wasn't love, my dear boy. And, honestly, I don't think this is either. I do not give you permission to marry her, end of discussion. She may be old enough to not need my permission, but I swear to you I will find a way to remove you from this estate and all your inheritance if you go against my wishes." With that Robert stormed out of the dining room.
Violet cleared her throat, "Perhaps you were right, Mary. This discussion might have gone over better in another room."
AN: I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. Please read and review! Sorry for any problems, they are entirely my own fault.