Chapter 1
A/N: I do not own Downton Abbey
"He doesn't look anything like you, Mary," Edith drawled, looking down at the newborn infant in Mary's arms.
"I agree," Violet said, "Matthew's eyes, Matthew's fair hair, he doesn't even have your fair skin, dear."
"I think he's got Mary's nose, and her grip," Matthew chuckled, as his son clutched his finger.
"Yes, hair color changes as they grow, he may yet have Mary's darker locks," Isobel chimed in, smiling at her son.
"Do you suppose we should let the next group in?" Edith looked over her shoulder at the door.
"I suppose," Violet said grumpily, "It would be courteous." Mary and Matthew laughed together.
"Perhaps in a moment, but I've been looking forward to holding my grandson," Isobel said firmly, and Violet huffed.
"You held him for a full five minutes, one would think that was enough," Violet intoned, striding out of the room with Edith in tow.
"We drew lots to decide whose turn it was," Cora smiled brightly as she and Robert took their places beside Mary, "Oh Mary, he's just darling."
"He's got the Crawley chin," Robert joked, clapping Matthew on the shoulder across the hospital bed.
"Which Crawley?" Mary quipped, handing the baby up to Isobel, "I'm afraid you'll have to wait your turn, there's quite a line forming to hold the future Earl of Grantham."
"We've waited nine months, I suppose we could wait a little longer. Matthew, I heard you had quite the scare when you were driving to tell us the news," Cora said.
"Almost hit a lorry, I wasn't paying the attention I should have, luckily I swerved into a small clearing," Matthew explained, "I won't make that mistake again."
"I've been the jubilant father, Matthew, but luckily I didn't have to leave Downton to celebrate." Robert laughed softly, but a slight concern marred his features.
"I remember Tom fainted in relief after he found out both Sybil and Kathryn were healthy and safe," Mary added, squeezing Matthew's hand.
"I remember, thanks to Dr. Clarkson," Cora sent a pointed glance at Robert.
"I already apologized for listening to that pompous fool of a doctor," he grumbled.
"And rightly so," Mary noted, "Although the distance from Downton to the hospital is a bit annoying."
"Absolutely worth the trip," Matthew grinned, gazing at his tiny son.