*Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey
Matthew felt like an outsider looking in. He was still there, but nobody knew it. He saw it all.
He watched his wife spiral into a dark depression after his death, clouded by grief. She was barely there, only existing. Not living. Neglecting their infant son.
He watched as she came back to the world, relieved that she was ready to move forward with her life.
He watched his son grow. He was filled with joy when George took his first steps, or spoke a new word. He wished he could have been there, in person, for those milestones.
He watched with jealousy as the suitors started coming. He knew it was too soon for her, and was glad when she admitted it to them.
He watched her fall in love again, when she was ready. She became another man's wife. Matthew approved of Henry. He was thankful Mary had found love and happiness once again, and that a good man would be raising his son.
He watched her bring three more children into the world and transform into the nurturing, loving mother he always knew she would be.
He watched as the Crawley family went through more loss. First Cousin Violet, then his mother, then Robert and Cora. Mary braved the storm well.
He watched as his son went off to war, at only nineteen. As George waited for the train with his mother, she handed him a small toy dog. "I gave this to your father when he fought in the Great War, for luck. He brought it back without a scratch, and I expect you to do the same," she told him. Matthew smiled at the memory of Mary giving him the dog and wishing him such good luck as he left for France. It had worked for him, and he hoped it would work for George.
He watched over George as he went into battle. He remembered his own experiences of war, horrified that his son was now going through them.
He watched Mary worry for her boy, longing for his safe return. Henry consoled her, which comforted Matthew. She wasn't going through this alone.
He watched the war reach its end, their son home and safe, the world changed yet again by fighting.
He watched George marry and have children of his own. He was no longer a boy, but a man starting his own family and running the estate. Matthew couldn't have been prouder.
He watched Mary lose yet another husband in an automobile accident. She grieved for Henry, but Matthew knew this brought back memories of his own death to her.
He watched Mary reach an old age, now the matriarch of the Crawley family. She was happy, surrounded by a dozen grandchildren who knew her as Granny.
He watched as his wife neared the end of her life, knowing she would soon join him.
He watched her soul leave her body one night, peacefully in her sleep. Then she appeared, welcomed by loved ones who had passed on before her. She looked just as she did when he left her; young and oh, so beautiful.
They were finally together again.
A/N: This is my first DA fic, and I hope you enjoyed it! Likes and reviews are much apprecieated :)
-NMB