Author's note:
Seems I might not be a one-hit wonder after all. I hope my second foray into fanfic makes up in some small way for the absence of the much-anticipated trailer for DA2. Numerous inspirations - other fanfic, spec, press packs, media - and complete disregard for facts about marriage licences, Gretna Green, corsets and just about everything else. I hope you enjoy! Oh, and all the usual copyright disclaimers.
In the urgency of all the manoeuvring, revelations and secret deal-making of the past month, Mary and Matthew had not had an opportunity to speak privately about all that had happened. Sir Richard and Lavinia were out of their lives now, each for different but somehow related reasons.
To avert disaster they had had to reveal to each other so much that was mortifying and deeply personal that neither expected the other to consider there was any viable path to love for the two of them. They had always communicated best when they thought romance was out of the question; their friendship during the war was evidence of that. It didn't mean their attraction or love had in any way dimmed, it was just more effectively repressed. So it was that they were most able to be honest with each other when they were lying to themselves. And besides, now they knew every possible secret about each other, what was the point of not speaking plainly.
That is how they found themselves walking the grounds of the Abbey on an unseasonably warm late autumn day, speaking not so much about the facts but how it had affected them. There was no rancour, they were both too exhausted.
They had been silent for a time when Matthew said: "Why didn't you tell me?"
Mary stopped and they faced each other, a couple of feet apart; close, but not too close.
"You know me Matthew, I'm selfish. And a coward. I couldn't bear to see the hurt and disappointment in your eyes. By trying to avoid being shamed by the one person whose opinions I truly cared about, I broke your heart." Tears pooled in her eyes ('Good god,' she thought to herself, 'why can't I stop these tears even now?'). As she looked down she said, softly, "And my own."
After what seemed like an interminable pause and a deep sigh, Matthew spoke.
"Mary, every time I think I know your character you surprise me yet again. I thought if I could rely on any of your vices it was selfishness."
One look at him revealed that this was said not in condemnation but with great warmth and a hint of the playful affection of years past.
"And I don't think Athena herself would dare accuse you of cowardice."
As they looked deep into each other's eyes, Matthew's expression became more sober.
"I think you're too harsh on yourself. I was a proud and disagreeable man that day, and a fool. And I have been for many days – years – since."
"I think we can both claim our share of pride and prejudice, don't you?" Mary said.
By now both of their hearts were racing. This was territory they hadn't planned on exploring. Mary tried to move the conversation along a safer path.
"….You know, my sister even described me as Darcy in a dress."
"Ha! Edith?" Matthew's relief at the lighter turn in the conversation meant his exclamation was a little louder than he intended.
"No, Sybil!"
Matthew smiled. "Ah, now I know who sent me that copy while I was at the front. I caught no end of mocking from the men…..You know, I wouldn't have cast Sybil as an Austen acolyte."
"Really? You don't think her passionate idealism reveals the heart of a true romantic?", the last word catching in Mary's throat.
They fell silent, perhaps at the mention of passion and romance or simply the weight of their togetherness and this moment.
Matthew moved closer to Mary, his thumb lightly brushing the tears still lingering on her cheek and drawing her chin up to him. Still cradling her face he gently kissed away the tears on her other cheek. Her eyes closed and a sough that spoke of exquisite relief and desire escaped Mary's throat as Matthew's kisses slowly traced a line to her shoulder as his hand caressed her neck. She leaned into his hand, exposing her neck and inviting more of Matthew's ministrations.
"Marry me."
[Author's note: I'm no tease. Chapter 2 is just one click away ;) ]