Collection: written for the 2012 Het Big Bang Collection on AO3
Rating: PG-13 (this chapter)
Summary: Modern day AU story. Matthew Crawley runs a successful landscaping business. Lord and Lady Grantham still reside at Downton Abbey, though Lady Mary has her own place at Grantham Park. When Mary is stuck in a tricky situation the day before hosting a very posh party, Matthew comes to her rescue. Unfortunately their first meeting does not go smoothly. Matthew is determined to win Mary over and the two eventually form a close friendship that turns to love. The road is, as usual with these two, filled with some bumps, and various skeletons in the closet.
…
Special thank you to the lovely Tambear for catching missing commas, odd grammar and offering excellent suggestions & advice!
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…
Thorny Roses
"Oi, boss."
Matthew Crawley looked up from his computer at the sound of his assistant at the door.
"Yes Danny? What is it?"
"That tosser, Thomas, called in sick again."
Matthew sighed and leaned back in his chair. "That's it. He simply has to go."
"Aye. 'Bout time you sacked 'im, if you ask me," Danny nodded and gently banged his hand against the doorframe. "Leaving us in a bleedin' mess, he is."
"What's on the board for today?" Matthew asked, realizing that he had skipped his normal routine of checking the assignments for the day, first thing.
"I've got the Historical Society," Danny muttered, checking his clipboard. "Then Howard Gardens."
"Of course. It's the fifteenth." Matthew sighed and rolled his eyes. He should have remembered that.
"Can't skip that."
"Anything that can wait? We could reschedule them with a discount."
Danny shrugged. "A couple of small things. Her ladyship can't wait though."
"Her ladyship?" Matthew said with a loud belly laugh. "Must be someone new."
"Aye. Her butler rang this morning. She's having some posh garden party tomorrow and her regular bloke can't do it. Got shut down for not payin' 'is taxes. Bleedin' arsehole."
"Ouch!" Matthew winced. "I hope she didn't pay in advance."
"Not sure, boss, but it doesn't matter. 'Tis our problem now, in'it?"
"All right, I'll deal with her ladyship." Matthew got up and grinned at Danny. "I haven't met an old bat that I can't charm."
Danny laughed and pounded Matthew's back. "Will I 'ave to call ye my lord, from now on?"
"Don't you dare," Matthew growled.
Matthew Crawley, or more precisely, the Right Honourable Matthew Crawley, was the only son of the late Right Honourable Reginald Crawley Baron Howard. Having long since lost the family's ancestral home, Matthew could not care less about his title. His mother did however, and the topic often came up over dinner.
"Mr. Crawley, sir?"
Matthew rolled his eyes at his young receptionist. "Daisy, how many times do I need to ask you to call me Matthew?"
The young girl giggled and blushed as her handsome boss addressed her. "I'm sorry… Matthew."
"Much better," he said and grinned at her. "Do I have any messages?"
Daisy nodded and handed him a stack of pink notes. "And your wife wants you to give her a ring."
"Ex-wife," he corrected her very gently.
"Sorry, Mr. Cr…" Daisy laughed nervously as she spotted the humorously raised eyebrow. "Matthew."
"So did Lavinia say what she wanted?"
Daisy shook her head. "Just to ring her back right away."
Matthew's jaw tightened in irritation. His ex-wife had turned into a vicious and utterly vindictive woman after the divorce. The once sweet girl he had fallen in love with and been married to for five years seemed to have been completely lost during the nasty divorce.
"I'll deal with her later. Where're the specs for the new job?"
"New job?" Daisy's wide eyes darted between him and Danny.
"Lady Mary," Danny said with a snicker.
"Oh, yes."
Daisy quickly grabbed the clipboard and handed it to Matthew. "She needs the lawn to be mowed, bushes trimmed, and general weeding, fertilizing and mulching. Oh, and the butler said that something was up with the in-ground sprinkler system."
"Does she want me to do her flower arrangements too?" Matthew muttered as he read through the detailed order.
Daisy giggled and covered her mouth. "As a matter of fact, she does."
"What?" Matthew barked.
Daisy flinched. "She… she's having a party tomorrow."
Matthew groaned and nodded. "Fine. We'll cut her some roses and hydrangeas."
Crawley Green Designs Ltd. was well-known for its innovative landscaping designs and award winning floral arrangements so the request was not an unusual one. Matthew and his staff had taken home first place at the Chelsea Floral Show three years in a row now.
Matthew pulled the van to a stop by the elaborate gates to the estate. Pressing the button he impatiently tapped his fingers against the side of the door, waiting for someone to open. A crackle on the speaker was followed by a deep voice.
"Grantham Park, Carson the butler speaking."
"Oh, hello," Matthew said quickly. "Crawley Landscaping."
"You're late."
Matthew rolled his eyes. "Staffing issues. We're here now, unless you would prefer that we come back another day?"
There was no answer but the gates started to open. Matthew put the van in gear and slowly pulled through. He took in the elegant entrance drive as he approached the large house. It was a beautiful day and the gentle breeze ruffled his blonde locks. The serene beauty of it all made him smile.
Matthew's peaceful musings were interrupted by a loud beeping. Glancing in his side mirror he spotted a small open sports car behind him. The beeping continued and he pulled over to the side. The car went by him, not even bothering to slow down to thank him. All he could tell as he cursed its driver was that she was female, and had long dark hair that whipped around her shoulders. A wide-brimmed black hat covered the rest of her features.
Putting the van in gear again Matthew eventually pulled up in front of the house. He spotted the black sports car parked right in front of the entrance, but there was no sign of the driver. An older man in a black suit came out to greet him.
"I am Carson, the butler," he said sternly. "Will you please drive around back? Lady Mary does not want delivery at the front entrance."
"Fine," Matthew muttered and hit the pedal a bit too hard, spraying up gravel behind him.
Once Matthew and his crew got started, the memory of the woman in the sports car and the snooty butler faded away. It always calmed Matthew to be surrounded by greenery. He rarely had a chance these days to take assignments himself, too busy with administrative duties related to managing a rapidly growing enterprise.
"Matthew?"
"Yes, Jose?"
"This side is done, and I finished the back. I'm taking the rider up front now."
"Excellent!" Matthew grinned at the young man.
Jose and his younger brother Manuel had come to England from Spain, looking for work. Matthew had immediately taken a liking to the two brothers and hired them on the spot.
"Daisy rang," Jose said hesitantly.
Matthew cursed under his breath. "Let me guess, Lavinia?"
Jose nodded. "Daisy said she tried to give you a ring."
"My phone is turned off." Jose nodded. "I'll check the sprinklers and then I promise to ring her back." He smiled apologetically at Jose. "I'm sorry."
Jose shrugged. "Not a problem, boss."
Matthew grinned and wacked his shoulder. "Get out of here!"
Jose laughed and got back on the riding mower taking off for the front of the building.
Matthew scratched his head as he twisted the nozzle of the connection. The sprinklers seemed fine, yet no water was coming through. He pulled off the nozzle and dunked it in the bucket next to him a couple of times, then twisted it back in place. Returning to the panel he pushed a few switches and then turned on the water. He almost jumped up and down in excitement when the sprinklers came on. He probably would have if not for the bloodcurdling scream that filled the air.
He ran towards where the sound was coming from and stopped short at the sight of her. It was the woman in the sports car, only now she looked less glamorous as she was soaking wet, her hair slicked against her head, bikini clinging to her slender body. The sight was priceless and he could not help but burst out laughing.
"Who are you?" she snapped.
"Matthew…"
"Never mind." Her voice was like ice. "I assume you are the one who turned on the sprinklers?"
"Yes."
"Yes, my lady," she said slowly, her eyes narrowing.
"My apologies, my lady," Matthew said and grinned at her before bowing. "I am very pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Well, I am not." She stood defiantly in front of him with her hands on her hips. "Are you going to turn off the water sometime today?"
"Oh, yes of course." Matthew turned to leave.
"Yes, my lady," she corrected him.
"Certainly, m'lady," Matthew said in his best attempt at a rural accent. "Will that be all, m'lady?"
Her eyes narrowed at the clear mockery. "I will report your outrageous behavior to your superior."
"Oh please, m'lady, don't ye go 'n do that. I might lose me job." Matthew was starting to really enjoy this.
"As if I care," she snapped. "You're rude and you ruined my hair."
"It's summer, m'lady. I'm sure it will dry in no time."
Mary huffed and threw her hands in the air. Grabbing her sarong she wrapped it around herself before stomping back inside. Well perhaps not so much stomping as sashaying. Matthew bit his lip trying not to laugh at the sight.
"Matthew," Isobel Crawley said and smiled at her son. "Are you free tomorrow night?"
"Yes, why?"
"I would like you to accompany me to an event."
"Oh," he said and sighed. "Do you really need me to? You know how I hate these sorts of things."
"It will be good for you to see some people. You've become a true workaholic since…"
"Since my wife decided that I was no longer good enough for her?"
"Matthew." Isobel sighed and gently grasped his hand. "I know you could've made it work. I know, because I saw it. The truth is, Matthew I am not all that sure that she was as willing to try to find a common ground."
"She didn't. She wanted a family right away. Lavinia doesn't like to be alone, you know that. If she had it her way I would never have left the house. We would've been watching romantic movies all day long while holding hands and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes."
"Matthew, surely she wasn't that bad."
"Lavinia is jealous of everything, mum. She has a rather vivid imagination and she made up all sorts of things in her head when I was even a little late."
Isobel nodded. She had heard it all before. "Well, Matthew, perhaps you will meet someone nice tomorrow."
Matthew had been quiet on the drive over, silently cursing himself for not asking his mother about the exact nature of the event before committing to it. Had he known that he would be back at Grantham Park the very next day, dressed in his best evening suit he would have made any excuse necessary why he would not be able to attend. Instead he now found himself driving his BMW to the very same gate. Just like the day before he impatiently tapped his fingers against the window sill. This time a young man was standing by the gates which were open.
"Good evening sir, madam. May I see your invitation please?"
Isobel handed the fancy invitation to Matthew who showed it to the young man.
"Thank you, your lordship, my lady," he said and returned the card to Matthew. "Please proceed up the driveway. It's only a short drive to the main entrance. Someone will take care of your car from there."
"I know," Matthew muttered. "I've been here before."
Isobel stared at him. "You never said. When was this?"
"Yesterday. Someone called out sick so I had to do the job myself. Managed to turn on the sprinklers on Lady Mary. She was not amused."
"Dear God, Matthew," Isobel cried out. "I hope you apologized."
"I guess. It's not as if I did it on purpose. She was incredibly rude so I did not quite feel like apologizing profusely."
"Please do so tonight."
Lady Mary Crawley surveyed her mingling guests over the rim of her champagne glass. She knew that her parties always drew the right crowd. Of course she would never invite anyone who was not worthy in the first place. She smiled at her fiancé and raised her glass to him in recognition. He nodded and then turned back to his conversation. Mary sipped her beverage again forcing back her growing annoyance with the man. It was so typical of Richard to take every opportunity to talk business.
"Mary, there you are."
Mary smiled and kissed her sister's cheek. "Sybil, darling. How are you? How's Dublin?"
"Dublin is marvelous. You just must come and visit!"
Lady Sybil Crawley had surprised the entire family when she decided to study computer engineering. After graduation she had landed a job with Google at their European headquarters in Dublin.
"Mama and Papa are looking forward to seeing you. They miss you. We all miss you," Mary said and tucked a lock of Sybil's hair behind her ear.
"I know," Sybil said with a sigh. "I miss you too." She looked over her shoulder when she recognized a distinctive Irish voice. "Mary, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
"You met someone?" Mary gasped.
Sybil nodded and held out her hand to a handsome young man coming their way. He took it and then slipped his arm around Sybil's waist.
"Mary, this is Tom Branson. Tom, my sister Mary."
Tom smiled at Mary and shook her hand. "Very nice to finally meet you, Lady Mary."
"You don't have to call her Lady Mary, silly," Sybil said with a chuckle.
Mary smiled sweetly at Tom and tilted her head. "What do you do Tom?"
"I'm a bartender."
Mary's eyebrows shot up. "A bartender?"
"I'm sorry Mary, but I think I just spotted Gwen. We'll see you later?"
And just like that the two were gone. Mary rolled her eyes. Sybil had always been the wild one of the three of them. As the oldest, Mary had been pushed in the right direction from the day she was born, the right schools, the right friends, and later when she was older, the right vacation spots and designer clothes. Her parents had given up on her other sister, Edith, long ago. Edith refused to don anything but t-shirts and faded jeans and would rather be caught dead than wearing a designer dress. After some arguing over Edith's apparel, Mary had finally convinced her to wear the Armani suit she had bought for her to wear tonight. Looking around she spotted Edith conversing with someone she did not recognize. She frowned at the sight of him. He was almost her father's age.
"Mary, darling, what a lovely party."
"Thank you, Mama," Mary smiled and kissed her mother's cheek. "It is rather nice, isn't it?" She glanced over at her sister again. "Who's that man Edith is talking to?"
Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham, tried to figure out who her daughter was talking about. "Oh, that's Sir Anthony Strallan. He's a fairly well-known artist."
"I know who he is," Mary sighed and sipped her champagne. "I own a painting of his. That must be why he's here."
"I think your father invited him."
"Papa?" Mary just stared at her mother.
"They have known each other for a long time. I thought you knew that."
Mary waved her mother's explanation away. "Papa knows so many peculiar people. I can hardly be expected to remember them all."
Cora chuckled and smiled at Mary. "Oh Mary." Spotting her husband coming their way while in a lively conversation with a young man, she touched Mary's arm. "Speaking of people your father knows. There's someone he would like you to meet."
"Oh?" Mary looked up and her eyes widened as she recognized the man next to her father.
"Lord Grantham?"
"Yes?" Robert Crawley smiled warmly at the woman standing in front of her.
"Isobel Crawley," she said chipper. "This is my son Matthew."
"Oh, of course," Robert laughed and eagerly shook her hand before pumping Matthew's hand up and down in clear excitement. "We are distant relatives. Practically family, really. You must call me Robert."
"Thank you, Robert," Isobel beamed at him.
"I was so pleased when you contacted me. My sister has been stuck in her research for such a long time; we thought we might never find out."
"Research?" Matthew asked, curios.
"Yes," Robert said with a grin. "My sister, Rosamund, has been trying to complete our family tree for years now. We have our branch of course, which dates back to before the first Earl of Grantham, but your branch was lost a few hundred years ago."
"I see. And how exactly are we related?"
Robert patted Matthew's shoulder. "Come let me get you and your mother some drinks and I'll fill you in."
"Cora, Mary, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Mary met Matthew's eyes. He smiled at her and her mouth tightened a bit more. It was just like him to mock her and pretend to be someone he was not.
"I was not aware that I had invited the help to this event," she said icily.
"The help?" Robert exclaimed. "What on earth are you talking about? Matthew Crawley is a distant relative."
"Lady Mary," Matthew said and made a big show of kissing her hand. "We meet again."
"You two have met?" Cora said in surprise.
"Yesterday he was here playing with the sprinkler system. How was I supposed to know that he was a Crawley? All he did was crawl around in the dirt and managing to soak me from head to toe."
Robert burst out laughing. "Oh dear. Matthew, I fear that you will have to make up for that for quite some time. Mary has a long memory."
"It will be my pleasure. Perhaps I can start by offering you another drink, Lady Mary?" Matthew teased and gestured to her empty champagne flute.
Mary put the glass down with a bit more force than necessary before responding. "Thank you, but I think I've had enough for now. If you will please excuse me, I need to go and find my fiancé."
Matthew smiled at her and watched her leave. Realizing that he was staring, he turned back to face Lord and Lady Grantham.
"So, when is the wedding?" he asked cheerfully.
"Not until next year," Robert muttered. "If it will happen at all. Mary and Richard seem to be arguing more than they are talking."
Matthew smiled sadly. "I'm sad to hear that. It's always painful when a relationship turns sour."
"I just don't know what she sees in him," Cora said with a heavy sigh.
"Perhaps he's different when it's just the two of them?" Matthew suggested diplomatically.
"Perhaps," Robert said with a shrug. "So, Matthew, you operate your own business?"
"I do," Matthew said with a wide grin. "We've been quite lucky and I'm pleased to say that business is booming."
"Crawley Green Designs won first prize at the Chelsea Flower Show this year," Isobel said proudly. "For the third time."
"Mum, please." Matthew sighed heavily.
Cora's eyes widened. "Did you do the flowers for Mary tonight?" Matthew nodded and sipped his drink. "They are absolutely magnificent!"
"Thank you."
Mary was fuming. How dare he? Come here pretending to be a landscaper when he was in fact a lord. She huffed at the thought. The lords she knew would never mow their own lawn.
"Mary?"
She looked up at Richard. "Yes?"
"I was asking you about the Cannes Film Festival twice," Richard said with an exasperated sigh.
"How would I know that you suddenly would pay attention to me?" she huffed, knowing that she was behaving more than a little childish.
"Mary, please," he said and she could tell by his clenched jaws that he was trying hard not to say something he might regret.
"Fine, what did you want to know?"
"Are we going?"
"I don't know about you, but I certainly am," she said haughtily.
"Of course I'm going with you. We're bringing the Carlisle yacht down for the event. We always do."
Mary rolled her eyes and sipped the drink Richard had given her. "Of course, darling. It's just that the press events are not necessarily the most exciting ones."
Richard shot her a warning glare and Mary looked away. Spotting Sybil talking to Edith, she quickly excused herself and left a slightly annoyed Richard behind.
As the evening progressed, Matthew was surprised to admit that he was having a great time. Lord Grantham had introduced him to his other daughters. Sybil and Matthew had instantly hit it off and were soon laughing together like old friends. Tom's timid nature was a welcoming relief to Matthew after having talked to more than one pompous prick throughout the evening. The two found common ground in sports. Even though they fiercely defended their favorite football teams, they did agree on cricket. Sybil beamed as the two became more and more excited in their conversation, laughing and teasing each other.
"Sybil, darling."
Sybil smiled at her older sister and stepped closer to her. "Yes, Mary?"
"Um, have you seen Richard?" Mary said in a hushed voice.
"Sorry, I haven't."
"Well then," Mary sighed and started to move away. "I better go back inside then."
"Mary, wait," Sybil said quickly and took Mary's hand. "Why don't you stay with us?"
Mary glanced at Matthew and Tom. "I'm not sure I would survive that much forced fun."
"Mary," Sybil rolled her eyes. "Please, they are both very nice. Give them a chance."
"Of courses, darling. Later."
Mary quickly set off towards the house. Matthew watched her leave, unable to take his eyes off her.
"Mary's not that bad once you get to know her," Sybil said softly next to him. "She's just angry with life in general."
"I'm very sad to hear that," Matthew said and smiled at her. "Perhaps she just needs to loosen up a bit?"
"Mary? Loosen up?" Sybil burst out laughing. "That's too funny, Matthew."
Matthew grinned and winked at her. "Perhaps I'll take that as a challenge?"
"Oh please do!" Sybil's eyes widened at the thought.
"I'm sorry but I think I need to make a trip inside too," he said and made a face. "Nature calls and I'm fairly sure your sister would have a complete meltdown should I relieve myself against one of her precious bushes."
Sybil laughed so hard she was wheezing. "Matthew, stop it!"
"So where would I find the facilities in this piece of rubble?"
"Through those doors, take a left and it's the first door on the right," Sybil said and pointed towards the open French doors.
"Thank you."
Matthew strolled across the lawn with his hands in his pockets musing over the Crawley sisters. Sybil was the only normal one, he assessed. Well, perhaps Edith was too, but she was so incredibly shy, he had barely managed to get more than one word responses from her. He sighed as he passed through the open French doors. Looking around the room he took in the heady smell of old books mixing with the freshness of the garden outside. Heading towards the door to the hallway he picked up his pace a little.
Deep in thought, Matthew gasped when someone stepped right into his arms. It was Mary. To his surprise she was shaking and she was white as a sheet.
"What…?"
She clapped her hand over his mouth and looked over her shoulder. Matthew followed her line of sight and his eyes widened at what he saw. A tall man and a blonde woman were locked in a very intimate embrace. He was kissing her while inching her skirt up.
Mary tore herself away from Matthew and hurried down the hall. Not sure why, he followed.
When she turned a corner he picked up his pace and grabbed her arm.
"Mary?"
"Please, not now. I really don't want to talk about it."
"Who are they?"
"The slut is someone I used to call a friend and…"
"And the man she was with?" he asked gently.
"My fiancé," she hissed and her eyes narrowed. "Go ahead, make fun of me. Tell me how the cold Lady Mary deserves to be cheated on. Everyone knows that I don't have a heart, so what does it matter anyway?"
Matthew's jaw fell at her angry words. "Mary, I would never say something like that. No matter who you are, and what you've done, to see the person you love embrace someone else is hurtful."
She huffed and turned her head away. He could see her swallow a few times and her chest was moving fast. Mary was clearly fighting hard not to cry in front of him. Matthew sighed and took her hand, pulling her into the nearest room, which turned out to be a small den with a big screen TV and cozy sofas and chairs. Closing the door behind them he pulled her closer. She started to squirm immediately.
"Let me go!" she snapped.
Matthew just held her in his arms, stroking her hair. "It's all right, Mary. It doesn't make you weak to cry."
As if his words were the key, the floodgates opened and she cried against his shoulder. Her body was shaking and she gripped his lapel so tightly he thought for a moment that she might rip it right off. Matthew said nothing, just kept stroking her back and hair. When she started to calm down a little he led her over to the sofa and sat down, pulling her against him.
"Remove your shoes, Mary," he whispered.
She did and curled up next to him. Mary was still crying and he just let her. When the tears eventually stopped, he pulled out a clean handkerchief which she accepted without a word. She sat up and wiped her face, half turned away from him. Matthew's hand still rested on the small of her back, stroking comforting little circles there.
Finally she turned around and their eyes met. "Thank you."
Matthew smiled and nodded. "You're welcome."
"Good God, Matthew," she gasped at the sight of his ruined shirt. "I got makeup all over your shirt."
"Don't worry about it. The shirt can be washed. You are much more important."
She looked away. "I don't understand you," she said in a hollow voice. "I've not been nice to you, quite the opposite, yet here you are, comforting me."
He took her hand and tugged a little. "You're not a bad person, Mary. In fact I think that behind that posh façade beats a passionate heart filled with love and compassion – for the right person."
Mary laughed. "You give me too much credit."
"I don't think so."
Mary reached for her shoes and he watched her slender feet slip into them. She got up and he jumped to his feet.
"I think I will go upstairs," she said with a sigh. "I can hardly go back outside looking like this anyway. "Will you please let Papa know?"
"Of course." Matthew took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Sleep well."
She smiled weakly and nodded. Without a word she leaned closer and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
Matthew watched her leave, stunned at her gesture. He touched his cheek where the warmth of her lips still lingered.
Matthew was not surprised when he spotted Mary's name and picture on the cover of some glamour magazine a week later. 'Lady Mary is yesterday's news after breakup with newspaper magnate Richard Carlisle' the headlines read. Matthew huffed and quickly grabbed his morning paper.
Early summer was keeping Crawley Green Designs very busy and it had become clear to Matthew that he needed to hire more people. As much as he enjoyed doing the work himself, he had other duties that he had been neglecting lately. Checking the time he picked up his pace. He had two more applicants to interview this morning.
Matthew entered the office and smiled at Daisy as he wished her a good morning. A young man was sitting in one of the visitor chairs across from her. He shot up at the sight of Matthew and his cheeks took on a slightly pink hue.
"Good morning, sir," he said quickly and held out his hand. "William Mason. I'm here for the position."
"Excellent," Matthew said, smiling at the nervous young man. "Please have a seat for a moment while I get myself organized. Has Daisy offered you tea?"
"Yes, she has, Mr. Crawley, sir."
Matthew chuckled. "Good. Well, just sit tight for a few minutes William."
William nodded and sat down again, trying not to look at the pretty receptionist. Every time their eyes met he blushed and she looked down. He squirmed where he sat, hoping that Matthew Crawley would not be too long.
Matthew's immediate liking of William made him offer the young man the job at the end of the interview. A very flustered William bobbed his head up and down as he accepted. Matthew got up and shook his hand.
"Wonderful! Then we will see you on Monday morning, eight o'clock sharp."
He walked William out and asked Daisy to let the young man know what paperwork he needed to bring. With a last congratulations and handshake he returned to his office. Matthew whistled happily as he called Danny.
"Oi, boss," Danny said cheerfully on the other end.
"I just hired a new bloke."
"Fantastic!"
"I was thinking that I might offer the two from yesterday summer employment. If they seem to work out and we still need them, we could offer them fulltime at the end of the summer."
"Sounds good," Danny agreed. "Seems like Lady Mary is going to be a regular and I just picked up another job here. I'll tell you more about it when I get back."
"That's very good news, Danny."
Matthew hung up and leaned back in his chair, thinking about Mary. He had not seen or heard from her since the party. Lord Grantham had called him once, inviting him and Isobel to Downton for a visit. Isobel had been very excited, though Matthew harbored mixed feelings. The phone startled him and he jumped.
"Yes Daisy?"
"Lady Mary for you, Matthew."
His eyebrows shot up. "Put her through please."
"Mary," he said and smiled into the phone.
"Matthew?" she said hesitantly on the other end.
"Yes, it's me. How are you?"
"Just fine," she said, sounding perhaps a bit too cheerful.
"I'm sorry about your engagement," he offered.
"Well, you of all people should not be surprised," she said icily.
"I haven't read the gossip rags, but I can only imagine what lies they must've doctored up."
"It's incredible," she sighed. "Anyway, I didn't call to bother you with my wretched personal life. I called because I wanted your opinion on a gardening question."
"Certainly," he said quickly. "What did you have in mind?"
"Do you know anything about David Austin roses?" she asked, her voice suddenly much softer.
"I do," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "They are some of the most desired. His English roses are magnificent. Personally I think that his English roses are the absolute perfection."
"I know!" she said and laughed. "I would love to add some to my garden. Would you help me?"
"Of course I will, Mary." He smiled at the suppressed anticipation from her that was palpable even through the phone.
"Splendid! Perhaps if you are about on Saturday, that you could come for tea?"
He quickly pulled up his calendar on his laptop and blocked off his afternoon. "I'm available."
"I'll see you around four?"
"I'm looking forward to it."
When he hung up, he realized that he actually was.
Matthew eagerly pulled up by the entrance to Grantham Park. A young man came out to open the door to his car. Matthew thanked him and handed him the keys.
"Lady Mary is waiting in the library. She said that you know where it is."
"I do. Thank you."
Matthew strolled inside, hands in his pockets. He stopped and smiled at her when spotting Mary on the sofa.
"Hello Mary."
"Matthew!"
He was a little surprised by the warm greeting, but decided not to comment on it. It was a much welcome improvement to the previous icy reception. He walked over to her and kissed her cheek when she leaned forward. Neither of them said anything about the familiar gesture as they sat down next to each other. Matthew placed his thick binder on the table.
"My lady, would you like me to serve tea now?"
Matthew looked up at the elderly butler standing in the doorway. Their eyes met and the man nodded in Matthew's direction. "Lord Howard, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Please call me Matthew. I never use my father's title."
Mary tilted her head and looked curious at him. "If I'm not mistaken, Matthew, the title is yours. Your father passed it on to you. You are The Right Honourable Matthew Crawley Baron Howard, are you not?"
"I suppose," Matthew muttered. "Doesn't mean that I have to like it, or use it."
Mary laughed and shook her head. "You are a strange man, Matthew Crawley."
When Carson returned with their tea Mary and Matthew were in a deep conversation about roses, their heads bent over the binder. Carson's mouth curled up a little at the sight of them. It had been a while since he had seen his lady this animated and happy. She looked up and he quickly forced his face to take on its usual neutral feature, but not before she had caught the tiny smile. She grinned at him.
"Thank you, Carson. I think we can handle it from here."
"Very well, my lady."
Matthew watched Mary pour their tea and smiled at her as she handed him his cup. Their fingers brushed against each other for a brief moment before the fine china was secured in his large hand.
"I agree that making a rose hedge around the pool would be beautiful," Matthew started carefully. "My only concern is that they will attract bees. You might be better off with a rose garden along the south wall. We could hedge it in and add a small koi pond, perhaps even make it a free shaped stream. The benches that you currently have there could still be used in the new garden. Climbing roses could be trailed up a pergola above, creating some well-needed shade."
Mary just stared at him for a long moment. He opened his mouth to tell her to forget the whole idea when her face broke into a beautiful smile.
"Matthew Crawley, I think you just read my mind. That's exactly what I was looking for!"
He laughed at her excitement. "I was thinking, Mary, if you're free tomorrow, I could take you to David Austin's garden in Albrighton and you could see some of the things he's done. It's a fairly large property with over 700 varieties of roses spread over two acres. We won't be able to cover it all in one day, but it should give you some idea of what I could do for you here. The Victorian Garden, which has his English roses, is absolutely breathtaking."
"I think I'd like that very much," she said and hid her smile behind her cup.
Matthew had picked up Mary early the next morning. She gracefully eased down on the plush leather seat in his BMW.
"I must say this is an improvement from that rusty old van I saw you in the first time," she teased.
"My van, I'd like you to know, does not have any rust," he huffed playfully. "A few dings and scratches, for sure, but no rust."
Mary snickered next to him and turned in her seat. "Matthew," she said softly.
"Yes?" he glanced at her before turning his eyes back on the road.
"I'm sorry I was such a bitch the first time we met."
"Don't worry about it," he said quickly. "I have a very fond memory of you from that day; wet from head to toe, only wearing some little scrap of fabric that is much too indecent to be called a bikini."
She made a face at him. "And here I was about to say that you were a real gentleman, but it appears that you have your mind in the gutter just like most of the male population."
Matthew burst out laughing and she joined him. The conversation flowed easily between them and they found out that they had quite a lot in common. His eyebrows shot up when she confessed that she loved Lily Allen. A few strategic clicks on the steering wheel and his connected iPod filled the car with music. Mary sang along, and as she did not miss a word in the lyrics it proved that her claim, as surprising as it had been, was actually true. Once the song ended she leaned forward, browsing the playlist until she found one she liked.
"This one I'd like to dedicate to my ex-fiancé," she said with a chuckle.
When the song started playing Matthew burst out laughing. "Does he know this?"
"Of course not," she sniffed.
"I'm sorry."
"What's that?" she said confused.
"That he was not a great lover."
She shrugged. "It's not that important really."
Her words surprised him. Not sure if their friendship had yet reached a point when they could comfortably discuss past lovers, he let the topic rest.
Mary had taken his arm as they strolled through the Victorian Garden admiring the English Roses. Matthew made notes now and then and she took some pictures with her iPhone. At one point he steered her over to a bench under a tree, surrounded by roses. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
"Yes," she whispered. "This is what I want."
Matthew watched the emotions on her face and reached out to touch her cheek. Her eyes flew open at the surprise touch. Their eyes met and he smiled at her as he leaned closer. When their lips touched, her fingers brushed over his cheek to curl around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Oh Mary," he whispered against her lips.
She made a little mewling noise as he deepened the kiss. He pulled away, staring at her, his heart beating wildly. She leaned forward and kissed him firmly on the lips. Matthew pulled her closer until she was almost on his lap, their kisses becoming more heated and frantic.
"Mary," he gasped. "Mary!"
She froze and moved away. He smiled at her and pulled her closer again, nuzzling her cheek.
"God Matthew," she gasped.
"What is this, Mary?" he said in a hoarse voice. "I barely know you, but the thought of not kissing you again makes me hurt inside."
She touched his cheek and nodded. "I know, darling. I know."
The ride back was quieter, both of them deep in thought about what had transpired between them. When he reached out to take her hand she entwined her fingers with his.
"Mary," he whispered.
"Please Matthew."
He just nodded and placed her hand on his thigh. Curling his fingers around hers he held her hand the rest of the way, only letting go as he turned onto the driveway for Grantham Park. She told him the combination for the gate and he punched it in, watching the gates slowly swing open.
"I want to see you again, Mary," he said as he turned in his seat to look at her.
They were parked outside the front entrance to the house. He took her hands in his and stroked his thumbs over the back of her hands.
"I would like that," she said with a smile.
"Please say that you'll have dinner with me tomorrow?"
She laughed and nodded. "Of course I will."
"Dress casually," he teased. "I will cook for you."
Her eyebrows shot up. "You can cook?"
"Of course I can," he said and made a face at the doubt in her eyes. "Ye of little faith."
She giggled and leaned forward for a quick kiss. He caught her as she started to move away, pulling her back for a more thorough kiss. Matthew felt desire burn in his body and he wished that he could just take her home this minute and make love to her until they both passed out from sheer exhaustion. Instead he forced himself to calm down and eventually released her. Mary was gasping, her eyes so dark when she met his gaze. He stroked her cheek.
"Thank you for today, Matthew. It was lovely."
"Until tomorrow then."
She got out of the car and he rolled down the window, watching her walk inside. Not until the door closed behind her did he start up the car to slowly head down the long driveway, the car now feeling empty and cold.
To be Continued…
…
David Austin has developed some of the most beautiful English roses available today. I have several in my garden and they are wonderful. If you are interested in learning more about these incredible flowers, please feel free to visit David Austin's website: David. Austin. com (just take out the extra spaces in the URL)